Vadodara, March 23. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, alleged that the rights of tribal communities were being systematically undermined, stating that "Adivasis are the original owners of India".
He also accused the Gujarat government and the Central government of taking away their land and forests in the name of development.
Speaking at the Adivasi Adhikar Samvidhan Sammelan in Vadodara, Gujarat, LoP Rahul Gandhi said that tribal communities had gradually been dispossessed over time.
"Over the years, Adivasis have lost their land slowly and steadily. The nation owes you. The government has taken away your land, forests, and everything else," he added.
Linking tribal identity with constitutional values, the LoP said, "Citizens give their votes for the Constitution. It is not merely a book. Its ideology and thoughts go back thousands of years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders pay respect to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. This Constitution carries the voice of Birsa Munda."
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the current policies of the Central government were contrary to these ideals.
"This (Gujarat and Union) government always attacks your voice and attacks Birsa Munda by snatching away your rights, your land, and your forests. Land is taken away for building a statue or for creating a mine. It seems as if you have no rights," he said.
Raising the issue of economic policy, the LoP said that privatization had limited benefits.
"Privatization has taken place, but only five to seven per cent of people benefit. Industrialists have cleared their dues, but the poor are not getting anything. For whom is this development? For the poor, for farmers... who?" Rahul Gandhi asked.
Referring to the Union Budget presentation, LoP Gandhi said, "Last year, when the budget was presented, I asked why among the 11 to 12 people who made the budget, there was no Dalit and no Adivasi."
He added that his demand for a caste census had drawn criticism.
"Whenever I talk about the caste census, BJP and RSS attack me," LoP Gandhi said.
Highlighting welfare measures introduced during previous Congress governments, Rahul Gandhi noted, "We brought the Forest Act, MGNREGA, and other measures for tribals and farmers."
He stressed the need for education, saying, "Without high-quality schools and educational institutions, no poor person and no tribal will benefit."
He also raised concerns about appointments in higher education.
"Today, look at the list of Vice-Chancellors of universities, only RSS people are sitting there. They do not even know about history and science. You all need to take over these institutions," LoP Gandhi said.
He also alleged that there was an attempt to discourage awareness among tribal communities.
"Those who live in the forests are told they do not need education. They do not want you (tribals) to ask for your rights," the LoP said, adding that he would consider undertaking a yatra in tribal areas.
