BHOPAL — A major political confrontation has surfaced in Madhya Pradesh following a demand by the Leader of the Opposition, Umang Singhar, for a distinct religion code for tribal communities. The proposal has sparked a sharp rebuttal from the ruling BJP, which has accused the Congress of attempting to sabotage the upcoming national census.
The “Identity” Argument
Addressing a tribal gathering in Anuppur on Monday, Singhar urged the community to mobilize and submit nearly 50 lakh applications to the President of India. He argued that the unique cultural and spiritual identity of Adivasis is at risk of being diluted if they continue to be categorized under other major religions.
“If tribals migrate into other religions or lose their distinct identity, it could eventually affect their constitutional protections,” Singhar warned. He suggested that the loss of a separate identity could eventually endanger reservations and land rights.
BJP Allegations of “Divisive Politics”
The ruling BJP was quick to condemn the remarks. State Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang labeled the move as “objectionable and illegal,” alleging that the Congress is attempting to create confusion during the Census 2027 exercise.
-
Interference Claims: Sarang argued that Singhar’s call for mass applications is a conspiracy to obstruct constitutional procedures.
-
Legal Action: The minister called for a criminal case to be filed against the Leader of the Opposition, accusing him of misleading innocent tribal citizens for political gain.
Why it Matters: The Tribal Vote Bank
The controversy carries significant weight due to the demographic landscape of Madhya Pradesh:
-
Population: Tribals constitute roughly 21–22% of the state’s population.
-
Electoral Power: Out of 230 Assembly seats, 47 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, with the community influencing the outcome in over 80 constituencies.
The debate comes at a sensitive time as the government prepares for the rollout of India’s first digital census, a project that includes new self-enumeration portals.
