TRIBAL RIGHTS FIRST: MP Niranjan Bishi Demands Full ST Reservation in Odisha Panchayat Polls 2027
Calls for constitutional justice, population-based representation and reservation in all districts from village level to Zilla Parishad
Bhubaneswar, 12:04 — ex MP Niranjan Bishi has strongly urged Chief Minister of Odisha to ensure proper implementation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation in all districts of Odisha during the forthcoming Panchayati Raj Institutions Elections, 2027.
In a strongly worded representation, the Rajya Sabha MP stated that Odisha, with one of India’s largest tribal populations, must guarantee fair and adequate political participation to Scheduled Tribes in grassroots democracy.
As per Census 2011, Odisha has 9,590,756 Scheduled Tribe citizens, constituting 22.85% of the total population and representing 64 recognised tribal communities.
He emphasized that Articles 330, 332, 243D, 243T, 244 and 338A of the Constitution provide clear safeguards for tribal political representation and must be implemented in letter and spirit.
The MP demanded reservation for Sarpanch, Ward Member, Panchayat Samiti Member, Block Chairman, Zilla Parishad Member and President posts based on population proportion and proper roster justice.
Calling Panchayati Raj the “first pillar of democracy,” Shri Bishi said denial of tribal representation at village level would weaken constitutional justice and inclusive governance.
He urged immediate review of reservation rosters, seat allocation and legal arrangements so that Scheduled Tribe communities receive their rightful share in the 2027 Panchayat elections.
