New Delhi, March 3: In a sharp attack on Monday, the Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh of planning to privatise nearly 40 per cent of the state's forests. The party alleged that this move is aimed at displacing tribal communities from their ancestral lands and natural habitats.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters on 24 Akbar Road, newly-appointed Chairman of the Adivasi Congress, Vikrant Bhuria, claimed that the BJP government is actively working to undermine the constitutional rights of tribals and accused it of "snatching away" their lands.
He further asserted that the BJP government was systematically weakening tribal rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Allegations of Ignoring Panchayati Raj Provisions
Highlighting the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, Bhuria pointed out that this law was designed specifically to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions in tribal areas by granting significant decision-making powers to the Gram Sabhas (village councils).He also raised concerns about ongoing mining activities in tribal regions, alleging these operations were forcibly acquiring tribal land and leading to the unjust imprisonment of locals protesting against such activities.
Forest Rights Under Threat
Vikrant Bhuria further mentioned that although the Forest Rights Act was enacted to ensure tribal rights over forests, the state government has failed to effectively implement it. According to him, while forest committees have the authority to grant land leases to tribals, this has rarely happened in reality.He added that the government's hidden agenda is clear: evicting tribals from their natural habitats under the guise of forest redevelopment and privatization.
So far, there has been no immediate reaction from the BJP in response to these accusations, and Bhuria did not provide additional details or supporting documentation during his address.