Recent remarks made by a Congress leader, suggesting that tribal communities are not Hindus, have sparked considerable controversy and drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has strongly condemned the statement, accusing the Congress of attempting to divide Hindu society and undermining the cultural and religious identity of tribal populations.
The contentious issue arose when several Congress leaders asserted that tribes are distinct from Hindus, a statement that the BJP has labeled as an "ideological decline" within the Congress party, which allegedly rejects the broader concepts of Hinduism. Vikas Markam, the chief of BJP's tribal wing, has been particularly vocal, accusing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of deliberately trying to "divide Hindus". Markam pointed to instances where Congress Minister Kawasi Lakhma openly claimed that "tribals are not Hindus" and advocated for a separate religious code for tribes.
Markam has further alleged that such statements are part of a larger Congress agenda to divide Hindus in Chhattisgarh, with Kawasi Lakhma allegedly making such remarks frequently to promote this agenda. He also claimed that conversion activities have increased significantly in Bastar under the Congress government's patronage. Markam cited incidents in Narayanpur and Tokapal, Jagdalpur, where attacks on tribals defending their traditions occurred, alleging a collaboration between the government and missionaries against the tribal communities.
The BJP's stance is that tribal communities are an integral part of Hindu society. They accuse the Congress leader of spreading confusion and attempting to mislead the tribal community for vote bank politics. The BJP argues that tribal societies have deep roots in Hinduism, with tribal people being descendants and worshippers of Lord Mahadev, and temples of Maa Kali and Lord Mahadev being found in the forts of Gond kings. They cite examples such as Lord Rama honoring Mata Shabari from the tribal society and Bhima's marriage to a tribal woman in the Mahabharata to further strengthen their argument.
Conversely, Umang Singhar, a prominent tribal leader and leader of opposition in Madhya Pradesh assembly from the Congress party, has asserted the distinct identity of tribal communities, stating, "We should say with pride that we are tribals, not Hindus". Singhar emphasized the unique traditions, beliefs, and nature-based faith of tribal society, advocating for the preservation and respect of their independent religious identity. He stressed that his politics aim to empower and respect these traditions so future generations can be proud of their culture.
This is not the first time such a debate has erupted. In June 2023, a Congress MLA, Umang Singhar, referred to Lord Hanuman as 'Adivasi,' which drew criticism from the BJP, who called it an insult to God.
The controversy highlights the complex intersection of tribal identity, religion, and politics in India. With tribal populations constituting a significant portion of the electorate in several states, the issue has significant political ramifications. The BJP's strong reaction underscores its commitment to Hindutva ideology and its efforts to consolidate Hindu votes, while the Congress party's stance reflects its attempt to address the concerns and aspirations of diverse communities, including tribal groups. The debate is likely to continue as political parties vie for influence and seek to shape the narrative surrounding tribal identity and its relationship to Hinduism.
