TS Singh Deo, former Deputy Chief Minster of Chhattisgarh, agreed that while on the face of it, tribals of the state have shifted allegiance to the BJP, contributing to the Congress’s crushing defeat in the state, the fine print indicated something else. Citing vote share, he also contended that the Congress’s performance was not bad, the BJP just did better.

Of the 26 seats in Bastar and Sarguja districts in the tribal-dominated state, the Congress won only four from Bastar and none in Sarguja. The Congress, which won 25 ST-reserved seats in the 2018 assembly polls, managed to secure just 11 this time.

The BJP won 17 of the 29 seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category — up from three. Overall, the party has won 54 of the state’s 90 seats, the Congress got only 35, down from the 68 they bagged in 2018.

Asked about the party’s dismal performance in tribal areas, Mr Deo said, “there is little doubt that the tribal vote has shifted”. But he qualified that statement with a reference to the BJP’s victory margins in multiple seats.    

“One seat we lost by 14 votes, one by 100 to 200 votes, another by 94. The margins are not too much. I don’t think there has been a shift,” he told NDTV in an exclusive interview. He also disagreed that the Prime Minister’s Rs 24,000 crore scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups had much to do with the shift.

The BJP, he contended, had drawn up a better programme for women which has worked. “We also could not keep the sarva-adivasi samaj together. They drifted away formed a political party and contested,” he added.

Citing the two parties’ vote share, he also contended that the Congress’s performance was not bad, the BJP just did better.

That the tribals have been unhappy in Chhattisgarh for the last few years has been clear by the volume of protests over the price of tendu leaves and other minor forest products. Tendu leaves or the “green gold” are the biggest source of income for tribals, who finally took it to the open market.

In May 2021, four persons died in police firing during a protest in Sukma district, 46 people were injured, a pregnant woman died in the hospital.

The backlash came now. As after the farmers’ death in Mandsaur police firing, the farmer vote swung towards the Congress, the tribals turned to the BJP this time.

What also helped was the BJP’s grassroot campaign, which penetrated Maoist-dominated areas of Bastar that outsiders feared to tread.

Then, days before the election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strategical announcement, launching a Rs 24,000 crore scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups from neighbouring Jharkhand.  

In the dynamic realm of K-pop, where the universal language of music breaks down barriers and transcends diverse cultures, BTS, or Bangtan Sonyeondan, stands out as a global phenomenon. Their infectious energy and musical prowess have captivated audiences worldwide. Among the exceptionally talented septet, Kim Seok-jin, affectionately known as Jin, not only boasts a “Worldwide Handsome” face and charismatic presence but also commands attention with his soul-stirring vocals.

BTS, extending beyond its status as a musical powerhouse, has evolved into a cultural icon, uniting varied audiences through its eclectic sound and profound lyrics. In this vibrant tapestry of talent, Jin emerges as a guiding star, offering not only visual allure but a voice that resonates with a profound depth. His vocal mastery has become a cornerstone of BTS’s sonic identity, leaving an enduring impression on fans and critics alike.

Before joining BTS, Jin pursued studies in acting at Konkuk University, showcasing his determination to excel in multiple facets of his craft. His journey with BTS commenced in 2013 when he was scouted by Big Hit Entertainment, the company that would later propel the group to international stardom. As the eldest member of BTS, Jin gracefully assumed the role of the group’s “Hyung” (older brother), providing support and guidance to his fellow members.

Despite limited formal training in singing, Jin’s innate talent swiftly became apparent as he adapted and refined his vocal skills within the group. His progression from a relatively inexperienced trainee to one of the industry’s most respected vocalists reflects not only his hard work but also his capacity to evolve as an artist. Referred to as the “silver voice” of BTS, this title, bestowed upon him by Grammy Nominee Lim Hyung-Ju, speaks to Jin’s remarkable breath control, enabling seamless transitions between head voice and true voice.

Currently, the BTS member is fulfilling his mandatory military enlistment and as an ARMY we can’t help but celebrate our “real maknae” and “Worldwide funny guy’s” birthday with some of his best songs.

The Astronaut

This list is never full without mentioning The Astronaut by Jin, as this was the last song he released before entering his military enlistment. Originally crafted as a heartfelt letter to ARMYs, the song is a poignant expression of Jin’s love and affection for his fans, serving as a poignant farewell as he temporarily bids them adieu before his enlistment.

The Astronaut is a pop-rock song, co-written by Coldplay, Jin and Kygo, who co-produced the single with Bill Rahko. The single was officially released on October 28, 2022. The live performance of this song took place in Buenos Aires during their concert, where Jin joined Coldplay on stage as part of the Music of the Spheres World Tour.

Super Tuna

In a burst of creativity, Jin penned the lively fishing anthem Super Tuna in just five minutes, dedicating it to ARMYs and fellow BTS members. The playful music video features Jin wearing a “super tuna” t-shirt and a jean romper, showcasing adorable dance moves on the beach surrounded by backup dancers. Released on December 4, 2021, this song stands as another delightful gift from Jin, adding a touch of fun and whimsy to our generation with its fishing-themed charm.

Talking about the making of the song. Jin said in an interview, “Our generation doesn’t have any good songs about fishing to listen to on their way on the highway. And there’s a lot of serious talk going on lately, so I thought it would be nice to make a song that’s kind of light and upbeat.”

Abyss

Abyss reveals Jin’s vulnerable side, expressing raw emotion and addressing themes of struggle and introspection. This unreleased acoustic ballad, co-written with Bumzu and Pdogg, and co-composed with RM, was a birthday gift to fans.

In a letter to ARMY, Jin shared his feelings of burnout and self-reflection after achieving success. The hauntingly beautiful song delves into loneliness and a yearning to reconnect with someone special, leaving a lasting impact and solidifying Jin’s reputation as a vocal virtuoso.

Moon

Moon, from BTS’s album Map of the Soul: 7, highlights Jin’s velvety vocals and the deep bond with their fanbase, ARMY. The upbeat melody employs a celestial metaphor, likening Jin to the moon and fellow members to stars, beautifully encapsulating the symbiotic relationship between the group and their supporters. The song portrays Jin as the moon and the ARMYs as Earth, working together to mutually inspire and uplift each other consistently. Beyond its catchy tune, Moon celebrates the reciprocal love and support defining the extraordinary journey of this K-pop phenomenon.

Crystal Snow

Crystal Snow, a Japanese single by BTS released in December 2017, features Jin’s soulful and emotive vocals. His voice adds a layer of depth to the beautiful ballad, capturing the melancholic and tender emotions expressed in the lyrics. With a sense of sincerity and warmth, Jin’s vocals contribute significantly to the overall emotional impact of the song. The title, Crystal Snow, enhances the wistful atmosphere, and Jin’s ability to convey feelings of longing aligns perfectly with the song’s theme, making his performance a standout element in this poignant track.

Epiphany

At the core of Jin’s solo ventures lies the emotionally charged masterpiece, Epiphany. Included in the album Love Yourself: Answer, this song delves into the poignant realms of self-love and acceptance. The melodic journey, accompanied by Jin’s warm and resonant vocals, constructs a sonic experience that surpasses language barriers. Throughout the track, Jin’s delivery intensifies, mirroring the transformative narrative depicted in the lyrics. Epiphany is a powerful testament to Jin’s skill in imbuing performances with raw emotion, leaving an enduring impression on its listeners.

Awake

Jin’s solo track Awake from BTS’ second studio album, Wings, showcases his remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s orchestral arrangement adds a cinematic quality to Jin’s powerful delivery, creating a grand yet intimate sonic experience. With lyrics delving into themes of overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams, Awake resonates with listeners, standing as a timeless piece in Jin’s repertoire. Beyond highlighting his vocal prowess, the track underscores Jin’s ability to convey profound emotions through his art.

See Also: 10 Years of BTS: Exploring the iconic fashion statements of Bangtan Boys through their performances 

Kamal Nath — former Chief Minister-turned-Madhya Pradesh Congress chief — has been asked to step down from the post, sources said a day after the party got decimated in a state they were sure of winning. The results yesterday showed the BJP had won 163 of the state’s 230 seats — more than double the Congress tally of 66.

The figures made it clear that the situation could not be further from the Congress reading of it.

The party, led by Mr Nath, was convinced that there was huge anti-incumbency against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

So convinced of victory was the party that on the morning of the counting day, posters came up congratulating Mr Nath on his victory. By noon, they had to be pulled down as the BJP established a comfortable lead.

With the party being convinced that anti-incumbency against the BJP would push the election in their direction, the Congress campaign strategy lacked an edge.

The party did not hold massive protests against the BJP to register its presence. The number of public meetings and rallies they held was almost half that of the BJP. This affected communication with the voters and made the party unable to carry its message across, leaders confided in private.

Mr Nath’s other move — denying the promised five to seven seats to INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party — has earned it the wrath of the alliance partners.

Sharing of seats at the state level was expected to be the blueprint for the bloc’s one-on-one strategy for next year’s general elections — dubbed a do-or-die battle with the BJP.

“The Congress has not been able to understand the ground situation in Madhya Pradesh. What harm could have happened if they had given 5-7 seats to Akhilesh Yadav? What have they won now?” National Conference chief Omar Abdullah was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India. 

“Judging the results of INDIA alliance in the state elections, if the situation is like this in the future, we cannot win,” he told reporters yesterday.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Congress could have won Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, but “some votes were cut by INDIA parties”.

“This is the truth. We had suggested a seat-sharing arrangement. They lost because of division of votes,” she told the state assembly today.

Senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore underscored the importance of alliances and said it is the state-level leaders in the Hindi heartland “who need to understand it”.

“It is tough for the Congress to understand the importance of alliances because in states like MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan there is no alliance politics,” Manickam Tagore told NDTV.

A section of party workers also confided that the party needs a new face and fresh energy in the state, where it has been led for decades by Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh, both in their late ’70s. They pointed to Telangana where a new young leader, Revanth Reddy, has crafted a massive victory.