Political parties are frequently invoking rhinos in Assam

Political parties are frequently invoking Assam’s world-famous one-horned rhino to connect with the people of the state, the animal has now become a part of poll rhetoric, with promises to save “the pride of Assam”.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2021

The projection of rhino as the pride of Assam began during the Assam Movement (1979-85).

Rhino started emerging as a player in the political narrative of Assam as “its poaching was linked to the control of indigenous people over land, resources and influx of immigrants”.

According to the rhino census of 2018, there are 2,413 rhinos in Kaziranga alone.

It is common for every party contesting in Bokakhat and Kaliabor, the two constituencies that cover most of Kaziranga (the park spreads over six constituencies), to say that they will protect the rhino.