On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Ranchi witnessed a monumental ‘Akrosh Maharally’ as thousands of individuals from various tribal communities converged to voice their strong opposition against the Kurmi community’s pursuit of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This demonstration showcased the collective will of the state’s indigenous population.
The rally, which commenced at Ranchi’s Morabadi ground, drew tribal leaders, energetic youth, and women from numerous districts across Jharkhand. Participants made it unequivocally clear that any governmental action to grant ST status to the Kurmi community would be met with significantly intensified protests.
The vibrant procession culminated in a public gathering at the Ramdayal Munda football ground, located near Ranchi College, where leaders addressed the assembled crowd.
Kumudini Dhan, a prominent tribal leader, emphasized the symbolic nature of the event. “This is merely a token protest by all 32 tribes of the state, designed to demonstrate our collective strength,” she stated. “Should any steps be taken to award ST status to the Kurmi community, Jharkhand will undoubtedly experience a far larger agitation.”
Ajay Tirkey, president of the Kendriya Sarna Samiti, echoed these sentiments, asserting that tribal communities would not permit anyone to infringe upon their rights. “All tribals in Jharkhand stand united and are fully aware of their constitutional rights. There is a clear conspiracy underway to snatch our constitutional privileges, political representation, reservation, and land rights,” he declared.
Gladson Dungdung, another influential tribal voice, characterized the ongoing struggle as a crucial battle for the very existence of tribal communities.
This rally follows a previous agitation on September 20, where thousands of protesters under the banner of Adivasi Kurmi Samaj (AKS) staged railway track blockades across the state. Their demands included ST status for the Kurmi community and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. That earlier protest resulted in the cancellation, diversion, or short-termination of over 100 trains and had also been met with strong opposition from tribal groups.