Battle for tribal turf hots up between BAP & BJP MPs
Jaipur: A fierce exchange of words between
BAP
's Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat and
BJP
's Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat has triggered a political storm in Rajasthan's tribal-dominated regions, with sharp reactions coming from tribal communities and political observers alike.
In his latest remarks, Rawat branded the Bhartiya Adivasi Party (BAP) as a "Lootere Gang," accused it of being "anti-Hindu," and alleged that it shields "illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators." These statements provoked a fiery response from Roat Sunday, who accused Rawat of conspiring "to burn tribal homes" and questioned the authenticity of Rawat's own tribal credentials.
"This is not just a personal attack—it's an insult to the entire tribal community," Roat told TOI.
He alleged that Rawat's comments reflect a broader agenda to "divide and malign" tribal unity ahead of local body elections.
Since their maiden victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, both leaders have been locked in a fierce battle for dominance, each striving to assert hegemony over Rajasthan's tribal belt. Roat, as the fiery young face of the new party, BAP, has carved out a loyal support base with his uncompromising "Tribal First" ideology, which resonates deeply among marginalised tribal communities.
BAP's sharp positioning has increasingly challenged the BJP's traditional dominance in the region, diminishing its appeal among sections of the tribal electorate.
In response, BJP has strategically entrusted Rawat with the task of keeping Roat in check—positioning him as the party's principal voice against BAP's growing influence. Rawat's recent statements, seen as direct attacks on BAP's ideology and leadership, reflect the BJP's determination to reclaim its foothold in the region by portraying BAP as divisive and disruptive.
Jaipur: A fierce exchange of words between BAP's Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat and BJP's Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat has triggered a political storm in Rajasthan's tribal-dominated regions, with sharp reactions coming from tribal communities and political observers alike.
In his latest remarks, Rawat branded the Bhartiya Adivasi Party (BAP) as a "Lootere Gang," accused it of being "anti-Hindu," and alleged that it shields "illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators."
These statements provoked a fiery response from Roat Sunday, who accused Rawat of conspiring "to burn tribal homes" and questioned the authenticity of Rawat's own tribal credentials.
"This is not just a personal attack—it's an insult to the entire tribal community," Roat told TOI. He alleged that Rawat's comments reflect a broader agenda to "divide and malign" tribal unity ahead of local body elections.
Since their maiden victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, both leaders have been locked in a fierce battle for dominance, each striving to assert hegemony over Rajasthan's tribal belt.
Roat, as the fiery young face of the new party, BAP, has carved out a loyal support base with his uncompromising "Tribal First" ideology, which resonates deeply among marginalised tribal communities. BAP's sharp positioning has increasingly challenged the BJP's traditional dominance in the region, diminishing its appeal among sections of the tribal electorate.
In response, BJP has strategically entrusted Rawat with the task of keeping Roat in check—positioning him as the party's principal voice against BAP's growing influence. Rawat's recent statements, seen as direct attacks on BAP's ideology and leadership, reflect the BJP's determination to reclaim its foothold in the region by portraying BAP as divisive and disruptive.
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