Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2018: What caused BJP's humiliating defeat

During the elections in 2013, the BJP won 11 of the 29 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), eight fewer than in 2008 when it won 19

In the first phase of its Assembly election on November 12, Chhattisgarh witnessed a 70 per cent voter turnout in tribal areas. It was clear the voters in tribal areas had something to say. 

Forest areas are intrinsic to the existence of tribals. In 2006, Parliament recognised “historic injustice” in denying traditional rights over forest resources to forest dwellers nationwide and passed the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, or FRA. In 2015, the claim was rejected and rolled back. Add to this little or no development in these areas.

The effect on the election outcome