Rajasthan Tribal Community Demands ‘Bhil Pradesh’ State, Govt Rejects Proposal

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 18th July. The tribal community in Rajasthan has raised a demand for the creation of a new state called ‘Bhil Pradesh’, which would encompass 49 districts spanning Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. This call was made during a significant rally organized by 35 tribal organizations, including the prominent Adivasi Parivar.

Speaking at the rally, Maneka Damor, a founder member of Adivasi Parivar Sanstha, emphasized the need for tribal women to assert their identity separate from Hindu traditions. “We do not follow Hindu customs like applying sindoor or wearing mangalsutra. Our focus should be on education, not fasting,” she asserted.

Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat reaffirmed the longstanding demand for Bhil Pradesh and announced plans for a delegation to approach the President and Prime Minister following the rally.

The gathering at Mangarh Dham in Banswara saw participation from tribal representatives across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, prompting heightened security measures and an internet shutdown in the area.

The proposed Bhil Pradesh would include 12 districts from Rajasthan and 13 from Madhya Pradesh, reflecting broader regional aspirations among the tribal communities.

Responding to the demand, Tribal Minister Babulal Kharadi dismissed the feasibility of forming a state based on caste lines, citing potential implications for similar demands. “We will not forward such a proposal to the Centre,” he affirmed, stressing the exclusion of those who changed religions from tribal reservation benefits.

Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, tribal groups staged a demonstration to assert their collective strength.

Meanwhile, State Minister Madan Dilawar issued an apology in the Assembly for controversial remarks questioning the Hindu identity of tribal leaders. “If my words caused offense, I apologize to the opposition and my tribal brothers,” he stated, addressing the uproar caused by his earlier comments regarding tribal ancestry.