Raipur
The political discourse in Chhattisgarh has intensified over tribal development, with state Congress president Deepak Baij and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap engaging in a war of words.
Following a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, Baij challenged Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap on Tuesday to visit tribal-dominated areas such as Hasdeo, Tamnar, Bailadila, and Korandam to assess tribal development firsthand. Baij stated that Kashyap would realise the true extent of tribal issues on witnessing the ground reality.
“If you are so confident about tribal development, then let’s go to Hasdeo, Tamnar, and Bailadila. You will know whether tribals have developed or faced destruction,” Baij said, adding that the Forest Minister would be shocked by what he heard from the tribals.
BJP Questions Congress’s Tribal Commitment
The Chhattisgarh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded by questioning the Congress party’s commitment to tribal honour. The BJP alleged that tribal leaders are sidelined during ticket distribution and asked why tribals are only remembered by the Congress during election periods.
Kashyap Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Meeting
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap had earlier raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with tribal leaders in Delhi. Kashyap alleged that the previous Bhupesh Baghel government had consistently cheated and deceived tribals in the state. He criticised Baij and other Congress leaders for their silence during that period, claiming they remained “Mouni Baba” (silent sages) even when their leadership was criticised.
Kashyap further questioned Rahul Gandhi’s sincerity towards tribal welfare, stating that the Congress had no genuine connection with tribal rights. He challenged Baij to ask Rahul Gandhi why no one from Chhattisgarh was nominated for the three Rajya Sabha seats during the Bhupesh Baghel government, especially when tribals were not considered worthy.
Kashyap also alleged that the three Rajya Sabha seats were “sold” by then Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at someone’s behest, harming Chhattisgarh’s interests.
He asked if Baij had the courage to confront Rahul Gandhi with these questions or if he simply paid his respects in Delhi. He also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s silence when the previous state government was allegedly committing injustices against tribals, including issues of religious conversion in Bastar and Surguja, which he claimed led to internal conflict among tribal communities.
Kashyap also highlighted the alleged neglect of letters from the Bastar Commissioner and Sukma Superintendent of Police regarding the dire situation due to conversions. He further accused the Bhupesh Baghel government of “looting” tendupatta collectors and stopping the distribution of footwear to them.
Baij’s Counter-Attack
Responding to Kashyap’s allegations, state Congress president Baij asserted that Kashyap was unfit to be Forest Minister, citing deforestation in the state.
“You cannot work for tribals. You are the Forest Minister, but forests are being cut in the state. I believe you have no right to remain in this position. You should resign,” Baij said.
Baij further questioned Kashyap’s 16 years and 8 months as a minister and asked about his contributions to the tribal communities. He pointed out that Kashyap’s previous government had closed 3,500 schools and that 10,463 schools in tribal areas are currently in a dilapidated condition.
Baij also questioned Kashyap’s silence on the alleged imprisonment of thousands of tribals in Bastar on false Naxal charges and several alleged fake encounters during his tenure as minister.
Baij also sought answers on the impact of the Bodhghat project on 42 tribal villages, the killing of innocent tribal cook Mahesh Kudiyam in Bijapur, and the alleged embezzlement of money belonging to tendupatta collectors in Sukma district, along with the closure of the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Collector Insurance Scheme.
BJP Alleges Congress’s Neglect of Tribals
BJP spokesperson Amit Chimnani countered by accusing the Congress government of widespread issues during its tenure, including alleged rapes of tribal girls in hostels, where incidents only came to light when the girls became pregnant.
Chimnani also claimed that tendupatta collectors did not receive timely payments during the Congress rule.
He stated that women had to travel long distances carrying tendupatta on their heads to sell it but did not receive their due wages.
Chimnani urged Baij to stop asking “absurd questions” and to first provide an account of his own actions.
