Ranchi, May 25 [2026]: Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress, accusing both parties of pursuing “divisive politics” that threatens the unity and fundamental rights of tribal communities across the state.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference held at the BJP’s state headquarters in Ranchi, Marandi condemned the Congress for opposing the state government’s proposed ‘Adivasi Samagam’ (tribal conclave), calling it a deliberate attempt to fragment tribal identity. “Their conspiracy to divide society and undermine the fundamental rights of tribal people will not succeed,” he declared.
The veteran tribal leader went on to reject what he termed as “false claims” by Congress and JMM leaders that tribal communities are being “converted” to Hinduism. He emphasized that “Sarna, Sanatana, and Hindu traditions are not different; they all share reverence for nature — trees, mountains, stones, water bodies, and the earth.” Marandi pointed out that India is home to over 700 distinct tribal groups, with 32 to 33 recognized tribes in Jharkhand alone. “In their villages and homes, these communities worship their own specific deities. This unity in diversity is central to Sarna, Sanatana, and Hindu traditions,” he said.
Marandi further argued that “there is no tradition of ‘making’ someone a Hindu — one is born into it. People can be made Christians or Muslims, but Sarna, Sanatana, and Hindu identities are matters of birth.” He accused the Congress of following the colonial-era “Divide and Rule” policy, claiming that as the party declines nationally, it is resorting to new tactics to create social divisions in Jharkhand.
The former Chief Minister also raised concerns over the encroachment of tribal worship sites and demanded urgent action to protect and develop sacred tribal sites such as Sarna Masna, Pahanai, Jaherthan, and Manjhi Than. He alleged that land linked to tribal worship is being illegally occupied by mafia groups, compounding the threat to indigenous traditions.
Marandi further alleged that the JMM-led state government, through amendments to the Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act notified in January 2026, is attempting to undermine tribal customary systems and traditions. “A conspiracy is being hatched, driven by vote-bank politics, to isolate indigenous tribal communities,” he warned. “This conspiracy will not be allowed to succeed at any cost.”
The Opposition leader’s remarks come amid rising tensions over tribal identity and autonomy in Jharkhand, a state with a significant tribal population. His accusations reflect broader political divisions ahead of upcoming elections and highlight ongoing debates over tribal rights, religious identity, and governance in the region.
