6.3. Political backwardness

In the political sides the Chutiyas political awakening is very low. There is not a notable state level political leader from this community. The presence of theb Chutiyas, in the political field is negligible, Upto this date, they got two Cabinet Ministers (Sri Soneswar Bora) in 1978-79 and Late Nagen Neog during 1991-9G) and only one Deputy Minister, (Late Durgeswar Saikia). in the Assam Govt. The present Assam Assembly has only one Chutiya M.L.A. whereas there should have been a minimum of 7 M.L.A.s on population strength. Also they cannot boast of a single Chutiya M.P. even at the end of SO years of India's independence. This pathetic condition is due to their tribal shyness, aloofness, age-old primitive mode of living and scattered geographical isolation. As already advanced communities are in the forefront of the political arena, the Chutiyas are looked down upon and are not given proportionate nomination at the time of election. The higher echelons of political parties employ all means to deprive the Chutiya people of adequate representation at all levels.