With a month to go for Jharkhand Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has erupted a controversy by labeling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as "anti-tribal." On October 19 in Ranchi, Rahul Gandhi said, "The BJP calls tribals 'Vanvasi'." He went further, claiming that "India's education system has only 10-15 lines about tribals."
What did RaGa claim?Before the Jharkhand elections, Rahul Gandhi, in an effort to appeal to tribal sentiments, inadvertently harmed his own cause by stating, "I studied in India's education system. You'll only find 10-15 lines about tribals. What is their history? What is their way of life? There's nothing written about that... OBC is just a term used for you. Is that your name? Who decided you are backward? Your rightful place has been taken away. Where is the history of the farmers, labourers, carpenters, barbers, cobblers, who built this country?"
Given that Rahul Gandhi received his education during a period when Congress ruled the country, these remarks have raised eyebrows. After India's independence, the Congress party established the education system, and it was Congress that crafted and managed the country's academic framework. Now, ironically, it is Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is criticising that very system.
BJP exposes Congress!Given that much of the country's education system was shaped during Congress's time in power, Gandhi's criticisms have been seen by many as contradictory.
The BJP is now targeting Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments, highlighting that the education system he criticized was actually established during Congress's tenure. "It was Congress that neglected great tribal figures, from Birsa Munda to India's President Droupadi Murmu," it said. With this, Rahul Gandhi has unintentionally provided the BJP with a chance to scrutinize Congress's historical record. This isn't the first instance where Rahul Gandhi has faced such backlash; he previously remarked, "I understand this system from the inside, and it has consistently been anti-Dalit."
Moreover, BJP leader Babulal Marandi responded sharply, saying, "ahul Gandhi is correct in noting that the Congress and the Gandhi family ignored the history and culture of tribal communities for decades. Tribal struggles and contributions were never given their due prominence. When Rahul Gandhi was in school, he saw that even under Congress rule, tribal history was not given a full chapter in the textbooks. Only a few incomplete mentions were made, failing to properly present their struggles and history. This injustice to the tribal community happened under Congress's governance, where their rich legacy was sidelined. But times have changed now. I urge Rahul Gandhi to look at today's books, in an era where the country is led by a leader who respects every community equally."
Who Took Away Tribal Rights? BJP Reminds Rahul Gandhi of Congress's 'History'
The BJP has reminded Rahul Gandhi of Congress's history, calling attention to their neglect of tribal rights. Babulal Marandi pointed out that even the great tribal leader, Birsa Munda, was ignored during Congress rule. Birsa Munda, who sacrificed his life for the freedom and rights of the tribal community and the country, was never appropriately honored during Congress's reign. No Congress leader or Prime Minister visited his village to acknowledge his sacrifice. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended this injustice, becoming the first PM to visit Birsa Munda's village and pay proper respect. The BJP has decided to dedicate 2025 to honouring Birsa Munda's legacy and struggle for freedom, ensuring his story reaches every citizen of the nation.
Rahul Gandhi also mentioned India's first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu, accusing the BJP of not inviting her to the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony. However, what he conveniently forgot was that his own Congress party fielded Yashwant Sinha against Droupadi Murmu in the Presidential election.
'Congress Crushed the Jharkhand Movement'
While showing sympathy for Jharkhand's tribal community, Rahul Gandhi seems to have forgotten that it was the BJP that carved out states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. During the formation of Jharkhand, Congress ally and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav famously declared, "Jharkhand will be created over my dead body." He vehemently opposed the formation of the state.
Prominent tribal leader Champai Soren also weighed in, stating, "Congress crushed the Jharkhand movement. In the 1951 Census, tribals were given respect, but by 1961, their significance was diminished. Just look at our history. This is why Congress can never be a true well-wisher of Jharkhand's tribals."