Vimal Asur is the first candidate from the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Jharkhand Assembly poll. He is contesting from the Bishunpur constituency in Gumla district which goes to the polls on Tuesday.
Vimal, 29, has managed to save Rs. 40,000 by selling off a piece of his agricultural land to contest the poll. He has been fielded by the former Chief Minister, Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik.
There are 9 PVTGs in Jharkhand and their total population is around 22,000. “I do not know how much population like me are in Bishunpur but I’ll appeal to all sections of tribal people to vote for me,” he said. Vimal was shocked to know that the spending limit of one candidate during elections was Rs. 24 lakh.
“I could manage only Rs. 40,000 over the years. I will be spending the money to become MLA,” he said.
The Asur tribe worships animals, nature and Singbonga, a form of Lord Shiva. It believes in black magic and witchcraft.
During Vijaya Dasami, when Lord Ram is believed to have killed Asur (demon) king Ravana, the Asurs hide themselves into their houses fearing attacks. The practice (of hiding into houses) still continues in Jharkhand.
Vimal is impressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s humble background and said a lot could be learnt from his life and struggles.
Vimal, a matriculate, works as a farmer to support his family of seven members.
“I want to become an MLA so that I can give voice to the sufferings of my tribe who are very poor and live in extreme hardships for survival.”
If elected, Vimal will get Asurs a welfare commission and reservation in the judiciary. “Besides, I’ll bring water, schools, food; and work for eradication of poverty, illiteracy, and hunger from our community,” he said.
