Jaipur- The Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP), which made an impressive debut in Rajasthan’s southern tribal belt, is now turning its attention to eastern Rajasthan, leveraging the Samravata slapping incident to strengthen its foothold in the region. By aligning itself with the aggrieved Meena community, BAP is not only amplifying their demands but also positioning itself as a formidable alternative to traditional political parties.

The controversy erupted during the November 13 by-election for the Devli-Uniara assembly seat, where independent candidate Naresh Meena slapped a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on camera.

The incident occurred amidst polling boycotts by villagers of Samravata, who were demanding the inclusion of their village in the Uniara sub-division due to its proximity compared to Deoli. Meena, supporting the villagers’ cause, was arrested the next day and placed in judicial custody, sparking statewide protests by the Meena community. Apart from Naresh Meena, 52 people arrested by the police in connection with the violence were physically produced before the court and were sent to judicial custody for 14 days. 

The Meena community have called for an impartial investigation into the matter and compensation for the losses incurred during the altercation. BAP has seized this moment to align itself with the community’s cause, staging demonstrations and amplifying their demands for justice.

A five-member delegation of the Bharat Adivasi Party visited Samaravata village on Nov 18 to demand justice for the victims. BAP national spokesperson Dr Jitendra Meena said, a report would be sent to the National Human Rights Commission and ST Commission.

Political pundits agree that BAP, which has emerged as the third-largest political force in Rajasthan within just a year, see the incident as an opportunity to expand its influence in eastern Rajasthan. The party had already extended support to Naresh Meena during the by-election, offering him a ticket even before the Congress decided against fielding him. Although Meena chose to contest as an independent, BAP has continued to back him and the villagers of Samravata.

BAP has skillfully positioned itself as a champion of the Meena community, portraying other political parties as indifferent to their grievances. While the Congress and BJP have limited their responses to perfunctory statements, BAP has taken a more active approach, organizing protests and engaging directly with the affected community.

The Samravata incident has provided BAP with an entry point into the politically significant eastern Rajasthan, where the Meena community holds considerable sway. If the party successfully capitalizes on the community’s growing unity and resentment against the Congress and BJP, it could significantly alter the region’s political dynamics.

BAP’s rapid rise in Rajasthan politics has already unsettled traditional players. Established in September 2023, the party has one Member of Parliament and three Members of the Legislative Assembly. Its success in tribal-dominated southern Rajasthan, where it defeated BJP veteran Mahendrajit Singh Malviya in the Banswara Lok Sabha election and won the Bagidora assembly by-election, has demonstrated its ability to mobilize marginalized communities.

The Samravata episode has also underscored the declining influence of other regional parties. The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have struggled to maintain their relevance, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has yet to secure a foothold in Rajasthan. In contrast, BAP’s proactive stance on grassroots issues has positioned it as a formidable alternative to the Congress and BJP.

BAP’s decision to open a state headquarters in Jaipur signals its long-term ambitions to expand beyond its tribal base. By aligning itself with the Meena community’s demands and leveraging the Samravata incident, the party is laying the groundwork for a broader political presence in Rajasthan.

As the state awaits the results of the Devli-Uniara by-election on November 23, BAP’s growing influence is becoming increasingly evident. The party’s ability to connect with marginalized communities and address their concerns positions it as a rising force in Rajasthan’s political landscape, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the state’s politics in the years to come.