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Did Rahul Gandhi Make a Mistake by Calling BJP Anti-Tribal? Congress Ignored Birsa Munda to Droupadi Murmu
Ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi may have put himself in a challenging position by labeling the BJP as “anti-tribal.” On October 19 in Ranchi, Gandhi claimed, “The BJP calls tribals ‘Vanvasi’,” and criticized India’s education system for containing only “10-15 lines about tribals.” These remarks have opened up an opportunity for the BJP to attack him, as the education system he referred to was largely developed during Congress rule.
The BJP has pointed out that Congress neglected great tribal leaders, from Birsa Munda to President Droupadi Murmu. By making these remarks, Rahul Gandhi has unintentionally brought attention to his party’s historical record, giving BJP an opportunity to highlight Congress’s past mistakes.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of the Education System
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi attempted to connect with tribal sentiments by stating, “I studied in India’s education system. You’ll only find 10-15 lines about tribals.” He questioned why the history of farmers, laborers, carpenters, barbers, cobblers, and other workers who built the nation was largely ignored in educational materials.
However, his criticism of the education system has raised questions, as Congress was in power for much of India’s post-independence history and was responsible for shaping the very system he criticized. The BJP responded by reminding Rahul Gandhi that Congress and his family were responsible for sidelining tribal history.
BJP’s Sharp Response
BJP leader Babulal Marandi responded strongly to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, stating that it was under Congress rule that tribal history was neglected. He noted that Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader who sacrificed his life for tribal rights and India’s freedom, was ignored during Congress’s time in power. Marandi said, “When Rahul Gandhi was in school, even under Congress rule, tribal history was not given a full chapter in textbooks.”
Marandi further emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi corrected this injustice by being the first Prime Minister to visit Birsa Munda’s village and honor his legacy. The BJP has declared that 2025 will be dedicated to honoring Birsa Munda’s legacy, ensuring that his story reaches every Indian.
Droupadi Murmu and Congress’s Contradiction
Rahul Gandhi also accused the BJP of excluding India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu, from the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony. However, the BJP quickly reminded the public that Congress had fielded Yashwant Sinha against Murmu in the Presidential election, leading many to question Congress’s sincerity toward tribal representation.
Congress’s History with Jharkhand’s Tribal Movement
In an effort to show sympathy for Jharkhand’s tribal population, Rahul Gandhi overlooked the fact that it was the BJP that led the formation of states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. During the creation of Jharkhand, Congress ally Lalu Prasad Yadav famously opposed the movement, saying, “Jharkhand will be created over my dead body.”
Prominent tribal leader Champai Soren further criticized Congress, stating, “Congress crushed the Jharkhand movement.” He highlighted that Congress diminished the significance of tribals in the 1961 Census after initially giving them respect in the 1951 Census. This, Soren argued, showed Congress’s lack of genuine support for Jharkhand’s tribal community.
Allegations Against Congress and Hemant Soren
The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government has faced allegations of land grabbing from tribals and corruption, damaging Congress’s image further. In Karnataka, Congress is also accused of financial irregularities in funds meant for tribal development under the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC). These funds were reportedly used for voter bribery during the Bellary elections.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court has reprimanded the Hemant Soren government over illegal migration that has been systematically facilitated in the Santhal Pargana region, putting the local tribal population in jeopardy.
Conclusion: A Political Backfire
Rahul Gandhi’s comments about BJP being “anti-tribal” have backfired, allowing the BJP to highlight Congress’s historical neglect of tribal communities and their icons like Birsa Munda. As the Jharkhand elections approach, the BJP is expected to leverage this narrative, reminding voters that it was the Congress party that ignored tribal rights and histories for decades while positioning the BJP as the party that corrected these past injustices.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have not only reignited the BJP’s criticism of Congress’s tribal policies but also exposed contradictions in his party’s political stance on tribal issues. The upcoming elections will reveal how much these narratives resonate with voters.
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