Latest news with #BhilPradeshSandeshYatra
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.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tribals from Raj, MP, Guj & Maha demand separate Bhil Pradesh
1 2 Udaipur: Tribal communities from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra gathered at Banswara's Mangarh Dham to renew their call for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Organised by the Bhil Pradesh Mukti Morcha, the event featured Master Bhanwarlal Parmar addressing the Bhil Tribal Conference, emphasising that the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh has been unmet for 70 years. Parmar and Kantibhai Roat, another tribal leader, highlighted that tribals were free until 1947 and urged participants to celebrate tribal culture and attire. Roat encouraged tribal communities to engage with local administration on equal terms, advocating for meetings with the SP and district collector on their terms— seated on their 'jajam (carpet)' rather than while sitting in a chair. He also urged the community to maintain discipline, abstain from alcohol and tobacco, and stay fit, suggesting that an organised approach would amplify their voice. Parmar said the original demand is for a separate state, combining 43 districts from the four states, and mentioned the Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra, which has submitted over 150 memos since 2020.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Debate over ‘Bhil Pradesh' map sparks political controversy
Udaipur/Jaipur: In a controversial move that has sparked political debate, Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) has renewed calls for a separate 'Bhil Pradesh' state, sharing a contentious map on social media that encompasses tribal regions across four states. The demanded state would include tribal areas from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Roat has called for a mass gathering at Mangarh Dham, a historic tribal pilgrimage site in Rajasthan's Banswara district, for the 'Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra' scheduled for Thursday. The BAP leader's demand draws historical significance from the 1913 Mangarh massacre, where over 1,500 tribal people lost their lives under Govind Guru's leadership. Roat claimed that Govind Guru was advocating for a separate Bhil state and the post-independence division of the Bhil region into four states constitutes an "injustice" to the tribal community. However, the move has faced strong opposition from BJP members. Rajendra Rathore, former deputy leader of opposition, condemned the proposal, calling it a "shameful and unfortunate political stunt" that threatens Rajasthan's unity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir $112 en Amazon CFD podría devolverte un segundo salario PRM Registrarse Undo "If today someone talks about Bhil Pradesh, tomorrow someone might demand Maru Pradesh. Will we then divide our magnificent history, heritage and pride into such fragments?" Rathore questioned. BJP's Udaipur MP Mannalal Rawat also criticised the initiative, suggesting it revives "divisive agendas left behind by the British and the Church." Rawat said, "Sharing colonial-era maps and talking about 'Bhil Country' is not about tribal rights—it's about reviving divisive agendas left behind by the British and the Church. The sacrifices of Mangarh's nationalist martyrs were for India's unity, not for promoting separatism. This mindset is deeply unfortunate and misleading for the tribal community."
