Raipur: BJP national president Nitin Navin joined the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations in Chhattisgarh virtually on 15 November 2026 after poor weather conditions prevented his aircraft from landing at the venue in Dharamjaigarh. The event marked the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Congress leader and former MLA Vikas Upadhyay criticized the ruling party over the development, alleging that the BJP skipped the physical visit to avoid protests from the tribal community. Upadhyay claimed that changes made to the format and naming of the tribal day had caused widespread resentment in rural areas, prompting fears of a public backlash.
Union Minister Smriti Irani and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Dharamjaigarh function in person, alongside local leaders and members of the tribal community.
While authorities cited inclement weather for Navin’s absence, the opposition continues to attribute the change in plans to political apprehension.
