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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM, Raje's back-to-back meetings with Modi fuel cabinet expansion buzz
Jaipur: After having a 20-minute closed-door meeting with former chief minister Vasundhara Raje Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Tuesday, setting off speculation over cabinet expansion, political appointments and internal power recalibration within the state BJP . The back-to-back meetings come days after a school building collapse in Raje's constituency which drew national attention, and also prompted PM Modi to express grief on X. But many in the state BJP circles view the meetings as a prelude to a broader reshuffle and possible efforts to mend internal rifts. Party insiders hinted that both Raje and Sharma were consulted on critical matters, including how to better accommodate Jat politicians within the state govt and party structures, and to strike a balance among other influential caste groups. "With no Jat face in any top constitutional post, growing resentment among Gujjars over unmet demands, tribal vote drifting towards Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) and minimal representation of Raje loyalists in the Sharma cabinet, the discussions revolved around these vital issues," said a senior BJP member. "The progress of the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal was also part of the discussion," he added. Political observers believe the meeting is particularly significant for CM Sharma, who is under consistent attack from the opposition Congress and has struggled to mobilise strong support from his own cabinet colleagues and party machinery. The meeting with the PM is seen as an opportunity for CM Sharma to strengthen his leadership with support from the state's senior leaders in the party. On the other hand, Raje has been seeking time with the PM for months to press for greater inclusion of her supporters in the govt and organisational roles. Her last meeting with PM Modi was in Dec 2024. Even though 18 months have passed since BJP came to power, the delay in cabinet expansion and filling a number of vacant political posts has been a sore point for her supporters. The state cabinet has 24 members, including the CM, leaving scope for six more additions. According to party sources, this week's meetings may finally pave the way for long-pending political appointments to boards, commissions and the much-anticipated cabinet expansion. Further complicating the political landscape is the recent resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, one of BJP's most prominent Jat faces at the national level. His exit has created a significant representational void for the influential community. With no major Jat politician currently holding any top constitutional posts, BJP strategists are grappling with the challenge of retaining a voter base that showed signs of drifting away from the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Jat-dominated constituencies where it underperformed.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
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.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Rajasthan party renews demand for a Bhil Pradesh for tribals, BJP leaders slam ‘divisive' move
Tribal leaders in southern Rajasthan and surrounding regions, led mainly by the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), have renewed their demand for a Bhil Pradesh, or a separate state for tribals, arguing it is a long-pending demand that should be met. The BAP founder and Lok Sabha MP from Banswara Rajkumar Roat, who is leading the campaign, said, 'If the government is truly supportive of the interests of tribals, then our long-standing demand for a Bhil Pradesh, which is essential for preserving the existence and identity of the tribal community, must be fulfilled.' While sharing on social media a proposed map of Bhil Pradesh – which tribal leaders say would include 49 districts across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra – Roat said, 'The demand for Bhil Pradesh has been raised since before Independence as the culture, language, dialect, and customs of the people here are distinct from other regions.' 'In 1913, under the leadership of (social reformer) Govind Guru, more than 1,500 tribals were martyred at Mangarh for the demand of a Bhil Pradesh. After Independence, injustice was done to the people of this region by dividing Bhil Pradesh into four states,' Roat said. On Thursday, the BAP will also lead a Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra to Mangarh Dham, Banswara, as a step towards 'fulfilling the unfulfilled dreams of our ancestors', Rajkumar Roat said. BAP national president Mohan Lal Roat said, 'Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution empower Parliament to form new states. When Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh can be created, why not Bhil Pradesh? Three crore of us stand at the threshold of the Constitution – take a decision now or history will judge … We cannot be ruled (anymore) by dividing us.' Talking to The Indian Express, Mohan Lal Roat said, 'This is not a BAP issue but an issue of the people of the region. Jaipur is about 650 km from here so development is slow to reach. It is still a backward area and so we have been demanding a separate state.' On July 15, BAP and tribal leaders also submitted a memorandum at their local block offices to push their demand. As per the party president, about 60 blocks were covered in Rajasthan, 44 in Madhya Pradesh, 22 in Gujarat and about half a dozen blocks in Maharashtra, apart from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. He said this is an annual practice that has been ongoing for the last decade every July 15. 'The Constitution has also given special provisions to tribals for conservation of our languages and customs, and demanding a separate state is our Constitutional right,' he said. While BJP and Congress leaders in Rajasthan have avoided speaking on the issue – both parties fear alienating tribals, especially in the state's tribal-dominated Vagad region – veteran BJP leader Rajendra Rathore said, 'The conspiracy to break the pride, honour, and glory of Rajasthan will never succeed. The so-called 'Bhil Pradesh' map released by Rajkumar Roat is a shameful political stunt. It is not only an attack on the unity of glorious Rajasthan but also an attempt to spread confusion in the name of the tribal community and gain cheap popularity.' 'If someone is talking about Bhil Pradesh today, and tomorrow someone demands Maru Pradesh, will we divide our splendid history, heritage, and pride into pieces like this?' he said, adding that the map released by Roat 'falls under the category of treason against the state'. State BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj said, 'They are doing it of their own accord, there is no such demand or support for this from the public. They are misleading people to gain political ground; their divisive agenda is to serve their own political interests.' Congress leaders in Rajasthan, meanwhile, said it is a 'national issue as it covers multiple states and hence, it is for the party's national leadership to address.' While this Bhil Pradesh demand is made annually, it becomes louder with each passing year, and currently the BAP and Rajkumar Roat have become its most vocal proponents. Since the BAP's creation, tribals in the region have been consolidating under Roat through its propagation of the sentiment that the Congress and BJP have only used tribals for 'selfish ends'. The party was formed in September 2023 out of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP), which had two MLAs in Rajasthan in the previous Congress government. One of the BAP's chief aims, like the BTP, is the creation of a Bhil Pradesh. From the BTP's two MLAs in Rajasthan, the BAP now has four MLAs and one MP, with Roat defeating Congress rebel turned BJP candidate Mahendra Jeet Singh Malviya in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The latest move also helps the party tide over recent bad press over the arrest of its Bagidora MLA, Jaikrishn Patel, who was arrested by the Anti Corruption Bureau in May for allegedly accepting a Rs 20 lakh bribe for dropping three mining-related questions in the Rajasthan Assembly.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Udaipur MP accuses BAP of dishonesty, harming communities and regional development
Udaipur: Mannalal Rawat, MP from Udaipur during a press conference Monday here, leveled serious accusations against the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP). He claimed that BAP has turned into a looting gang, spreading confusion among people. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Referring to the incident of a Bagidora MLA caught taking bribe, he stated that they have created history of dishonesty. The MP alleged that BAP is harming Hindu society, tribal communities, regional development, education, and the dignity of women. He said that they are spreading the narrative that "tribals are not Hindus," which he believes is an extension of British ideology. He accused these groups of turning the region's youth into stone-pelters. According to him BAP and BTP are described as conspiratorial parties inspired by external elements, hindering the region's development, education, women's dignity, and youth's empowerment. Rawat also criticised Banswara-Dungarpur MP Rajkumar Roat, alleging that Roat is extorting money from legislators, chiefs, and village heads. On the issue of , the MP emphasised that it should not be reduced to mere vote politics, asserting that national security is paramount. Rawat also attacked the Congress party, claiming that some Congress members promote narratives similar to Pakistan for vote bank politics. He accused Congress of abandoning Gandhi and Gandhian ideology, reducing itself to a family-run party.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Adivasi party extends support to June 4 J'khand bandh
Jamshedpur: The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) has extended support to the June 4 Jharkhand bandh called by different tribal outfits to press for immediate dismantling of the newly constructed ramp at Kendriya Sarna Sthal in Siromtoli. The ramp is part of the Siromtoli flyover which is being constructed in the state capital Ranchi. BAP state president Prem Shahi Munda said that the ramp construction at the Sarna Sthal, which is the religious place of the tribals, has triggered the bandh call. However, other issues of the community namely protection of religious sites of the STs in the state, implementation of the PESA Act rules and encroachment of the tribal land on large scale are the concerns and demands of the outfits which have called for the bandh, Munda said here on Sunday. The bonafide rights of the tribal community is being violated by the state govt and the authoritarian attitude of the govt has hurt the sentiments of the community, he said.
