As the Jharkhand Assembly elections draw near, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has found himself in hot water after accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being "anti-tribal." On October 19, while addressing a rally in Ranchi, Gandhi remarked, "The BJP refers to tribals as 'Vanvasi'." He also claimed that "India’s education system contains only 10-15 lines about tribals." This statement appears to have backfired, sparking controversy.
The BJP swiftly responded to Gandhi’s comments, pointing out that the educational system he criticized was largely shaped under Congress rule. "It was Congress that failed to give prominence to great tribal figures, from Birsa Munda to India’s current President, Droupadi Murmu," BJP leaders stated. Gandhi's comments inadvertently gave the BJP a chance to highlight Congress’s historical neglect of tribal communities—a situation Rahul Gandhi has found himself in before. Earlier, he had remarked, "I know the system from the inside, and it has always been anti-Dalit."
Before the Jharkhand elections, Rahul Gandhi’s attempts to connect with tribal voters seemed to falter when he said, "I studied in India’s education system. There are only 10-15 lines about tribals. Where is their history? What is their way of life? Nothing is written about that… OBC is just a term used for you. Is that your name? Who decided you are backward?" This rhetoric has raised concerns, especially since Gandhi himself was educated during Congress’s long tenure in power, making his criticisms of the system appear contradictory.
BJP leader Babulal Marandi delivered a sharp rebuttal, stating, "Rahul Gandhi is right in acknowledging that Congress ignored the history and struggles of tribal communities for decades. When he was in school, even under Congress rule, tribal history wasn’t given due importance in textbooks. Only a few incomplete mentions were made." Marandi emphasized that this oversight of tribal heritage happened under Congress’s governance but assured that things have changed. "In today’s India, led by a government that respects all communities, tribal history is being given the recognition it deserves."
Who Neglected Tribal Rights? BJP Reminds Rahul Gandhi of Congress's Role
The BJP has been quick to remind Rahul Gandhi of Congress's own track record on tribal rights. Babulal Marandi highlighted that iconic tribal leader Birsa Munda was largely overlooked during Congress's tenure. Despite his sacrifices for the tribal community and India’s freedom, Congress did not give Munda the recognition he deserved. It was only after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister that Birsa Munda's village was officially visited and his legacy honored.
Moreover, the BJP plans to dedicate the year 2025 to commemorate Birsa Munda’s contributions, ensuring his story is shared with the nation. Rahul Gandhi’s comments regarding President Droupadi Murmu, accusing the BJP of not inviting her to the Ram Temple inauguration, have also come under fire. Social media users were quick to remind Gandhi that Congress had fielded Yashwant Sinha against Murmu during the Presidential election, raising questions about the party’s consistency on tribal representation.
'Congress Betrayed the Jharkhand Movement'
Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to align with Jharkhand’s tribal community also ignores the role of Congress in the state’s formation. The BJP was instrumental in carving out Jharkhand, despite Congress’s resistance. Lalu Prasad Yadav, an ally of Congress, famously opposed Jharkhand’s creation, declaring, "Jharkhand will be created over my dead body."
Prominent tribal leader Champai Soren weighed in, stating, "Congress undermined the Jharkhand movement. After the 1951 Census, tribals were given recognition, but by 1961, their importance was diminished." He further emphasized that Congress can never be a true ally of Jharkhand’s tribals.
Allegations Against Hemant Soren: Tribal Land Seizures and Corruption
Further complicating matters for Congress, its ally, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is facing allegations of land grabbing from tribal communities. At the same time, Congress is embroiled in accusations of corruption in Karnataka, where hundreds of crores meant for tribal development were allegedly misused. Reports of financial irregularities within the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC) have added fuel to the fire, further tarnishing Congress's image.
Allegations have surfaced that Congress distributed Rs. 200 per voter in Bellary’s Lok Sabha elections, using funds meant for tribal welfare. In Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region, Congress has been accused of facilitating illegal migration, pushing the tribal population into perilous conditions. The Jharkhand High Court has even reprimanded the Hemant Soren government for mishandling the tribal situation, with the declining tribal population becoming a growing concern.
In light of these developments, Rahul Gandhi’s comments have reignited the BJP’s criticism of Congress’s long-standing neglect of tribal rights. As the BJP continues to champion tribal icons like Birsa Munda and Droupadi Murmu, Congress's recent political stance appears inconsistent. This narrative is likely to dominate the discourse leading up to the crucial Jharkhand elections.
Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/did-rahul-gandhi-make-a-mistake-by-calling-bjp-anti-tribal-congress-ignored-birsa-munda-to-droupadi-3965091.html?ref_source=OI-EN&ref_medium=Home-Page&ref_campaign=News-Cards
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October 21, 2024
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