Addressing the 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Jharkhand's Ranchi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) treatment of indigenous communities, specifically the use of the term "Vanvasi" in place of "Adivasi." He stated, “When BJP calls 'Adivasi' 'Vanvasi', what are they trying to do? They are trying to erase your history, philosophy, science, medical science, and lifestyle. 'Adivasi' means those who came first, whereas 'Vanvasi' means those who live in forests.”
जब BJP के लोग आदिवासी को वनवासी कहते हैं।
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 19, 2024
तब वे आपके इतिहास, आपके जीने के तरीके को खत्म करने की कोशिश करते हैं।
आदिवासी का मतलब है: देश के सबसे पहले मालिक
आदिवासी सिर्फ एक शब्द नहीं हैं, बल्कि आपका पूरा इतिहास है।
: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi
📍 रांची, झारखंड pic.twitter.com/9vVbptxwrJ
The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) accused the BJP of attempting to "destroy tribals' heritage, history, tradition, and medical practices," asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to respect Dalit, tribal, and backward classes are contradicted by actions that strip them of their rights. He remarked, “PM Modi says that he will respect Dalit, tribal and backward classes, but then takes away their rights. He gives you respect, but expels you from institutions.”
Further emphasising his point, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the education system fails to teach about indigenous peoples, stating, “The history of tribals, farmers, OBCs is destroyed.” He also alleged that the Constitution is under attack and needs protection, remarking, “BJP may control funds, institutions; we possess honesty.” He added, “The BJP has money, institutions, media, CBI, ED, IT—everything. But we have 'truth'. We need nothing more. Because as long as we have truth, we will get justice.”
BJP के पास धन, संस्थाएं, मीडिया, CBI, ED, IT सब कुछ है।
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 19, 2024
लेकिन हमारे पास 'सच्चाई' है। हमें और कुछ नहीं चाहिए।
क्योंकि जब तक हमारे पास सच होगा, हमें न्याय मिलेगा।
: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi
📍 रांची, झारखंड pic.twitter.com/OFNrPaP7QU
The Congress leader also stressed the importance of a caste census as a means for social evaluation, stressing that the Prime Minister is opposed to this initiative. He noted the underrepresentation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and lack of Dalits and tribals in key government positions, stating, “Only 3 OBCs among top 90 IAS officers in bureaucracy; no Dalits, tribals in finance ministry.” He further pledged to remove the 50 per cent cap on reservations.
✅ जातिगत जनगणना होगी
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 19, 2024
✅ इंस्टीट्यूशनल सर्वे होगा
✅ आरक्षण की 50% की सीमा हटेगी
ये काम कांग्रेस पार्टी करके दिखाएगी।
: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi
📍 रांची, झारखंड pic.twitter.com/CrlzBOKFog
“There will be a caste census. There will be an institutional survey. The 50% reservation limit will be removed. The Congress party will get this work done,” he remarked.
Referring to the Lok Sabha election outcome that saw the ruling BJP go below the majority mark, Rahul Gandhi said, “The country told Narendra Modi that we will not allow any attack on the thinking of Birsa Munda Ji, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Narayan Guru Ji, Basavanna Ji, Lord Buddha Ji and Phule Ji.”
In related political developments, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) will jointly contest the upcoming assembly elections, fielding candidates in 70 of the 81 seats. He confirmed that seat-sharing discussions with alliance partners, including the RJD and Left parties, are ongoing for the remaining 11 seats. The assembly polls are scheduled for November 13 and 20, with counting set for November 23.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence in the JMM-led alliance's ability to retain power, citing their development work as a cornerstone of their campaign. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has already outlined its seat-sharing strategy, with the BJP contesting 68 seats, AJSU Party 10, JD(U) 2, and LJP (Ram Vilas) 1.
In the last elections, the JMM-led alliance secured 47 seats, while the BJP won 25. Currently, the assembly comprises 74 members, with the ruling JMM-led alliance holding 44 seats.
