BJP Wants To Weaken Tribal Society, Grab Land To Benefit Industrialists: Rahul
The primary issues facing tribal communities today include the "snatching of water, forest, land and suppression of rights." Gandhi accused the BJP government of "continuously selling natural resources to a select few billionaires" (Image by Abhishek N. Chinnappa/Mongabay)
Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong concerns regarding the NDA government’s alleged attempts to undermine the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as PESA. Following a meeting with tribal leaders in Delhi, organized by the All India Tribal Congress, Gandhi emphasized the party’s commitment to standing up for tribal rights, describing it as a “protective shield” for these communities.
In a post shared on his WhatsApp channel after the meeting, Gandhi stated, “There was a deep discussion about their main problems and the injustices being done to them.” He highlighted that the primary issues facing tribal communities include the “snatching of water, forest, land and suppression of rights.” He accused the BJP government of “continuously selling natural resources to a select few billionaires,” asserting that the destruction of forests—integral to tribal heritage—has rendered many tribals homeless.
Gandhi further elaborated on the impact of these policies on the livelihoods of tribal people, claiming, “The forest produce that sustains the livelihood of the tribals is also being destroyed.” He pointed out that essential crops such as tendu leaves and mahua, which play a crucial role in the tribal economy, are being eliminated. “The backbone of their employment and business is being broken,” he lamented.
The former Congress president also criticized the NDA government for its efforts to weaken the PESA law, which was established by the Congress and UPA government to empower tribal communities. He remarked, “The budget allocated for the panchayats of tribal areas either lapses or is transferred. This is a well-planned conspiracy against this community, so that they cannot become self-reliant and empowered, and cannot raise their voice for their rights.”
In addition to economic concerns, Gandhi raised alarms about the education of tribal children, stating, “A deep conspiracy is also going on against the education of tribal children.” He pointed out that in the name of rationalization, over 10,000 schools are being closed in tribal-dominated states like Chhattisgarh. “When tribal children are not educated, how will they recognize their rights, their participation and share?” he questioned.
Gandhi’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the marginalization of tribal communities in India. He asserted, “The BJP wants the tribal society, the first owners of India, to become weak— their forests and land should be snatched away and some industrialists should be made richer.” He reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to tribal welfare, stating, “The Congress party and I are with the tribal brothers and sisters—we have made many laws to empower them, now we will stand in front of them as a shield to protect them.”
The meeting with tribal leaders and Gandhi’s subsequent statements underscore the ongoing struggle for tribal rights in India. As the government continues to face criticism for its policies, Gandhi’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and resources of tribal communities. He concluded with a strong message of solidarity, emphasizing that the Congress party will remain a steadfast ally in the fight for justice and empowerment for tribal people across the nation.
