logo
MP Roat's demand for Bhil Pradesh reignites tribal assertion, triggers constitutional debate in Rajasthan

MP Roat's demand for Bhil Pradesh reignites tribal assertion, triggers constitutional debate in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The political temperature in Rajasthan has risen sharply after Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat raised the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh.
Rajkumar Roat, MP from Banswara-Dungarpur and leader of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), recently released a controversial map demanding 'Bhil Pradesh'. Following this, there was a political upheaval. BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, MP Mannalal Rawat, and State Minister Babulal Kharari levelled serious allegations like treason and sedition against Rajkumar Roat. In response, Roat accused Rathore of insulting tribal aspirations and misrepresenting constitutional norms.
On Thursday, a massive rally and cultural conference was held at Mangarh Dham in Banswara as part of the Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra, where BAP founder and Lok Sabha MP Rajkumar Roat reignited the long-standing demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Addressing a crowd of thousands, Roat called for the creation of a new tribal state by combining over 40 tribal-dominated districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Ahead of the event, Roat had already stirred political controversy by releasing a proposed Bhil Pradesh map on social media, an act that many see as a direct challenge to constitutional procedure.
Roat frequently cites a historic episode from 1913, when over 1,500 tribal people were allegedly killed at Mangarh under British rule while demanding tribal rights under the leadership of social reformer Govind Guru. That incident is commemorated every year, and Thursday's rally marked yet another powerful remembrance of the sacrifice—this time with a renewed political message. This year's yatra, an annual event, was organised on an unprecedented scale, signalling BAP's intention to push the demand more aggressively, both on ground and in Parliament.
The demand has sparked intense political reactions. Former Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan, BJP's Rajendra Rathore, condemned the call for Bhil Pradesh as 'treason,' accusing Roat of promoting divisive politics. The statement triggered a sharp exchange between the two leaders on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore argued that the Bhil Pradesh demand violates the Constitution and national unity.
Rathore directly questioned Roat's release of the proposed Bhil Pradesh map:
'Is it appropriate to consider yourself above the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Constitution by releasing a state map without following the legislative or constitutional process? How can you bypass Parliament in such a serious matter?'
Rathore emphasised, 'Any slogan or campaign that seeks to divide the country or challenge its unity should not be accepted under any circumstances. Unfortunately, some people are promoting misleading and divisive narratives like Bhil Pradesh, ignoring constitutional spirit and national interest.' He referenced the formation of Telangana in 2014 as a constitutionally sound example, backed by extensive debate and consensus.
The Bhils are one of India's largest tribal communities, primarily found in western and central India. They form a significant population in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the supporters of Bhil Pradesh argue that the cultural identity, dialects, traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the tribal-dominated areas are vastly different from the rest of their respective states, warranting the need for a separate state. Though the idea has been around for decades, it has largely remained on the margins of mainstream politics. However, the recent rise of the Bharat Adivasi Party and Rajkumar Roat's vocal advocacy have given new momentum to the issue.
In a sharp rebuttal, Rajkumar Roat reminded Rathore of his own legislative experience:
'You have always been known for your grasp of parliamentary procedure. I did not expect such an irresponsible statement from a politician of your stature.'
Roat took further strong objection to the term 'treason,' saying, 'By using such language, you have insulted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—who created Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand—as well as your own colleague Nandlal Meena's father, who once advocated for Bhil Pradesh.'
Roat cited constitutional grounds for his demand: 'Our Constitution clearly provides for the formation of new states. Bhil Pradesh satisfies multiple criteria—cultural and linguistic homogeneity, geographic contiguity, lack of equitable resource distribution, and underdevelopment.'
Concluding his response, Roat urged Rathore to revisit the Indian Constitution and the history of state formation:
'Such fact-less and baseless statements are unbecoming of a seasoned parliamentarian. I urge you to study the constitutional provisions on state reorganisation before making misleading public comments.'
'Bhil Pradesh is not a demand raised on emotion alone—it is our right, our truth, and our constitutional resolution,' Roat said.
With both constitutional debates and tribal identity politics now in motion, the future of this demand will depend on how national parties, the judiciary, and civil society respond to the intensifying conversation.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

BJP should shed ‘anti-BC' mindset: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar
BJP should shed ‘anti-BC' mindset: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar

The Hindu

time12 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

BJP should shed ‘anti-BC' mindset: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar

Reiterating his charge that the BJP is infamous for its 'anti-BC' mindset since the Mandal Commission era, Minister for Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has warned that BCs would not keep quiet if any attempts are made to obstruct the enhanced 42% quota for them in Telangana. Speaking to the media in Karimnagar on Saturday, Mr Prabhakar said the Congress party is the champion of social justice. The Telangana Assembly passed a Bill increasing reservation of BCs to 42%, he said, alleging that the BJP is conspiring to obstruct the move on one pretext or the other to jeopardise the interests of BCs. Asserting that the Congress party has the proven track record of championing the cause of BCs and other weaker sections, he alleged that the BJP earned notoriety for pursuing divisive politics and working against the interests of BCs since the era of the Mandal Commission. 'If the BJP is sincere for the empowerment of BCs, it should get the 42% quota Bill approved by the Centre and cooperate to ensure local body elections in the State before September 30, the timeframe set by the High Court to conduct the local body polls,' he added.

PM visit sets stage for AIADMK-BJP bonhomie
PM visit sets stage for AIADMK-BJP bonhomie

Time of India

time27 minutes ago

  • Time of India

PM visit sets stage for AIADMK-BJP bonhomie

Trichy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and road show planned in Trichy on Sunday have set the stage for cadres and functionaries of AIADMK and BJP to smoothen out ruffles, if any, and work together ahead of the 2026 state assembly election. As BJP cadres have been joining AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's ongoing 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' state-wide campaign, AIADMK has vouched to mobilise cadres for PM's road show scheduled on Sunday morning. Palaniswami met Modi at the Trichy airport on his arrival from Tuticorin. He was accompanied by former ministers S P Velumani, K P Munusamy, and Natham Viswanathan. Modi is scheduled to take part in a commemorative event to mark Rajendra Chola's birth anniversary and 1,000 years of the king's maritime expedition to southeast Asia at the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Ariyalur district. With the state poll less than a year away, the BJP has planned a rousing welcome for the PM. While a chopper will fly the PM from Trichy airport to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, located about 110 km away, an 8km road show has been planned for the PM from the airport to the hotel where he will stay. "A reception point has been planned near Trichy corporation's main office with cadres from at least five BJP mandals greeting and welcoming the PM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pegangsaan Dua: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo AIADMK will take part in the road show too," said BJP Trichy urban district secretary (media) Sadesh Parameswaran. Functionaries said the PM's road show will serve as a prelude to NDA's preparations for the assembly election and showcase the strength of the alliance. AIADMK has erected banners at multiple spots in Trichy to welcome the PM with portraits of former party supremo J Jayalalithaa and Palaniswami along with pictures of their party founder M G Ramachandran and party idealogue C N Annadurai. "They (BJP) are participating in our campaigns, so ideally, we (AIADMK) should reciprocate. Banners and party flags have been erected on the road show route to welcome our PM," said AIADMK Trichy urban district secretary J Srinivasan. "The bond between BJP and AIADMK is strengthening, and the roadshow will further improve it," said an AIADMK district level functionary.

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement
Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement

Time of India

time42 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement

Ranchi, July 24 (IANS) The Jharkhand government has decided to rename all Atal Mohalla Clinics operating in the state as Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinics. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday. The Jharkhand cabinet's decision to rename the Atal Mohalla Clinic as the Mother Teresa Advance Health Clinic has ignited a political controversy. The BJP criticizes the move as an insult to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and accuses the ruling JMM-led alliance of trying to appease Christian voters. JMM defends the renaming, emphasizing Mother Teresa's dedication to serving the poor. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Jharkhand cabinet on Thursday approved the renaming of the Atal Mohalla Clinic as the Mother Teresa Advance Health mohalla clinic was originally launched on August 16, 2019, by the then NDA government on the death anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari move has sparked a political slugfest between the ruling JMM-led alliance and the opposition BJP."Atal ji's unwavering resolve secured the rights of Jharkhand's people and gave tribal pride a distinct identity. But the Hemant government, stooping to the lowest level of politics, has ignored his contribution. Can it clarify how this decision will improve healthcare?" Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi told added, "If the government truly wanted to honour Mother Teresa, it could have launched a new scheme in her name to serve patients, which was her life's mission. Instead, it has chosen to serve its political interests."The BJP alleged the move was aimed at wooing the state's Christian voters, seen as supporters of the JMM-led the charge, JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya said, "Mother Teresa is an angelic figure for the poor. Naming a health clinic for the poor in her honour is most appropriate."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store