ARE TRIBALS HINDUS’ CONTROVERSY LEADS TO BJP-CONGRESS FIGHT IN MADHYA PRADESH

Two recent events have caused serious controversy in Madhya Pradesh. The first is the claim by Umang Singhar, leader of the opposition in the state assembly, that tribals are not Hindus. The other is the death of infants by rat bites. Umang made this claim by citing many religious norms of tribals. His claim has been
challenged by tribal leaders of the BJP.

His remark has started a political debate with Union minister of state for tribal affairs Durgadas Uikey, BJP MPs Sumer Singh Solanki and Gajendra Patel arguing that tribals are an inseparable part of Hindu society.

Singhar said, “My point is very clear. I respect the identity, pride and independent religious identity of the tribal society. The tribal society is the real strength of this country with its nature-based faith, lifestyle and struggling traditions. We have the same respect for Hinduism, but it is also a fact that the tribals are different and unique with their traditions and beliefs. The purpose of our politics is not only power or votes, but to preserve, empower and respect these traditions, so that the coming generations can be proud of their glorious history and culture,” he said.

Tribals in the state comprise more than 21% of the electorate. There are 47 tribal reserved assembly seats out of the total 230. Additionally, tribals are a decisive factor in at least another 65 assembly seats. In a strong reaction, Union minister Uikey said, “Singhar’s statement is devoid of facts and evidence and is based on ignorance. In fact, the tribal society is rooted in Hinduism. The people of the tribal society have been the descendants, worshippers of Lord Mahadev.

Temples of Maa Kali and Lord Mahadev are still found in the forts of most Gond kings. Lord Rama honoured Mata Shabari of the tribal society by eating her jujubes, while in the Mahabharata period Kunti’s son Bhima married Hidimba, a sister of the tribal society. Be it Rani Durgavati or Bhagwan Birsa Munda, tribal warriors have made an invaluable contribution in protecting Sanatan values and culture during the
Mughal and British period.”

BJP MP from Khargone constituency Gajendra Patel said in the Constitution of India, tribal society has been considered an integral part of Hindu society. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sumer Singh Solanki alleged Singhar has defamed the entire tribal society with his statement.

CM Mohan Yadav on described as “shameful” LoP Umang Singhar’s statement that “tribals are not Hindus”. He also sought an apology from the Congress leader. Yadav said Singhar’s remark was only next in line of such “derogatory” statements for Hindus and Hindu religion by Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi,
Mani Shankar Aiyar and their allies like (DMK leader) MK Stalin, who called Hinduism “mosquito”, “dengue” and what not. He said the people were watching everything, and it was Congress party’s “anti-Hindu” stand that has brought it to this passe.

Even earlier many tribal leaders have made such claim. These leaders included Jamuna Devi, who was a prominent leader of the Congress. She also occupied the post of opposition leader and also Deputy Chief Minister when Congress was in power.

The second event which has affected BJP government’s image is the death of two infants by rat bites. The two death occurred in the government hospital of Indore. Commenting on the negligence in the government hospital Rahul Gandhi called the deaths of two newborns at Government MY Medical College Hospital, a “murder”, alleging that the infants were bitten by rats due to the negligence of the government. In a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi wrote that the incident was “horrific, inhuman, and
insensitive”, and a direct result of the government failing to fulfil its most basic responsibility.

He accused the government of neglecting public health, making hospitals, “dens of death” for the poor.

“Modiji, this voice is rising on behalf of those lakhs of parents who are today victims of government negligence…,” Rahul said.

Meanwhile the authorities constituted a state-level team to investigate the role of the rat bites in the deaths. The private firm responsible for pest control has been fined and issued a termination notice.

The hospital administration and the medical college’s dean again denied that the deaths were caused by rat bites. Dr Brajesh Lahoti, paediatric surgery HOD, said that the deaths were due to “serious and life- threatening diseases”. He explained that one infant had a spreading intestinal infection, while the other had a birth defect and a low birth weight of 1.4 kg. He also claimed that rat bites can’t be “the cause of death”.