Udaipur- A powerful coalition of tribal and farmer bodies held a public meeting in Kotda on Friday, voicing deep-seated anger over the alleged continued neglect of the region and the betrayal of tribal communities by governments over the last four decades.

The meeting, organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha and the Adivasi Jan Adhikar Eka Manch, saw speakers unanimously declare that Kotda remains a "punishment posting" for government employees, a situation they claim has not changed in 40 years.

Dulichand Meena, State President of the Adivasi Jan Adhikar Eka Manch, set the tone by stating, "Tribals have a glorious history and were second to none in sacrificing for the country's freedom. However, they have been cheated by every government to date." He asserted that while the tribal community are the "kings and protectors of the forest," laws enacted in the name of conservation, along with corrupt officials and leaders, have destroyed the very jungles they depend on.

Meena highlighted the disproportionate control over national resources, claiming, "While there are 15 crore tribals in India, they have less than 1.5 percent rights over the country's resources and wealth." He also warned against the politicization of their faith, stating, "Tribals are nature worshippers; linking this to any religion for political gains would be an injustice to their culture."

Sarcasm and Sharp Criticism for the Centre

Vimal Bhangora, State Secretary of the Manch, took aim at the central government, sarcastically commenting on "Modi's Guarantee." "It is like guaranteeing the safety of milk to a cat," he said. He accused the BJP of using hollow slogans like 'Hindu Rashtra' and 'BAP Bhil Pradesh' while ignoring the core issues faced by the tribal community. In a stark comparison, he claimed, "The life of a tribal is valued at just five goats, while for others it is valued at 1 crore rupees."

Echoing the sentiment, Rajesh Singhavi, CPI(M) District Secretary, criticized the government's privatization policies. "They have sold oil, railways, roads, water, and electricity. But Modi ji says he won't let the country be sold. This is merely a rhetoric," he said. Singhavi also questioned why petrol and diesel are not included under GST if the government truly believes in 'One Nation, One Tax', alleging it exposes a "loot agenda."

Local Grievances: From Water Diversion to Failed Crops

The speakers listed a litany of local issues. Prem Parghi, District Secretary of the Adivasi Manch, highlighted the paradox of the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' (Tap Water to Every Home) slogan while a dam in Kotda is being used to divert water to Marwar. He also cited the lack of compensation for farmers whose crops were destroyed by recent rains and the failure to provide free buses for youth traveling for competitive exams as promised.

Jagdish Parghi, District President of the Kisan Sabha, gave an emotional address, stating, "We feed everyone, but we ourselves are hungry. The forest is our soul, and attempts are being made to snatch it from us, to which we will give a fitting reply." He raised alarm over migration, noting that locals are forced to go to Gujarat for work, where "the honour of our sisters and daughters is being looted, while the police and law remain mere spectators."

Other leaders, including Hakar Chand Kharadi and Babu Lal Vadera, accused the government of using smart meters as a "new method of loot" and claimed that "Modi's Guarantee" only guarantees that "Adani and Ambani can loot the common people." Vadera contrasted the waiver of industrial loans with the auctioning of farmers' lands.

Concluding the meeting, Presiding Officer Dalaram issued an ultimatum. He warned that if the government fails to address their problems, the organizations will lead a foot march to the office of the Divisional Commissioner within two months to lay siege to it.

Following the public meeting, a delegation led by Jagdish Parghi submitted a memorandum to the Kotda Tehsildar, demanding immediate resolution of the region's problems and an end to the injustice against the tribal community.