Banswara/Dungarpur- In an electoral upset that has redefined the political landscape of Rajasthan, the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) has secured its first Member of Parliament with Rajkumar Roat’s resounding victory in the Banswara-Dungarpur Lok Sabha seat.
Despite being only eight months old as a formal political entity, BAP's roots in the region run deep, having dedicated years to reviving tribal culture and raising awareness about tribal rights, fostering a renaissance in the area.
Rajkumar Roat, the newly elected MP, clinched victory with an impressive 8,20,831 votes, defeating the veteran tribal leader and BJP candidate Mahendrajit Singh Malviya by a margin of 2,47,054 votes.
This landslide victory highlights the growing influence of BAP and the resonance of its message among the tribal communities.
Malviya, who recently defected from Congress to BJP, managed to secure only 5,73,777 votes. Arvind Sita Damor, contesting under the Congress banner, finished fourth with 61,211 votes, while another independent candidate named Rajkumar garnered 74,598 votes, placing third.
BAP’s success marks the beginning of a new era in regional politics, where tribal voices and concerns are increasingly finding representation. The party’s rise signals a shift towards more inclusive and representative governance, reflecting the changing dynamics of voter preferences and political participation in Rajasthan.
The defeat of Mahendrajit Singh Malviya, a seasoned leader who switched allegiance from Congress to BJP shortly before the elections, reveals significant vulnerabilities within the BJP.
Internal discontent over ticket allocations and campaign strategy missteps played a crucial role in the BJP’s poor performance.
Moreover, the Congress's decision to support BAP indicates a potential reconfiguration of political alliances, driven by the need to address the unique aspirations of the tribal population.
BAP’s formal inception may be recent, but its groundwork has been laid over several years. The party has been instrumental in rekindling tribal cultural pride, addressing socio-economic issues, and advocating for the rights and welfare of tribal communities.
This persistent effort has culminated in an electoral breakthrough, reflecting the trust and hope that the tribal population places in BAP.
"Congress and BJP parties have always seen us as voters and never given our dues either in elections or in selection (recruitment). Tribal leaders in these parties too have never cared for the community but worked for their own interests, and therefore, whatever the tribal have gained has been through the harsh struggles of our forefathers", says Kantilal Roat, one of the founding members of the party.
The core agenda of the Bharat Adivasi Party centers around the creation of a new state called "Bhil Pradesh," which would provide a distinct identity and administration for Bhil tribal populations residing in significant numbers across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Roat emphasized the importance of securing rights over their ancestral lands, forests, water resources, and the environment, which have been exploited by mainstream parties.
Grassroots Engagement: Unlike its rivals, BAP's strategy focused on deep grassroots engagement, connecting with voters on a personal level, and addressing their immediate concerns and aspirations.
Cultural Revival: BAP’s work in reviving and celebrating tribal culture has fostered a sense of identity and unity among the tribal people, translating into electoral support.
Leadership and Representation: Rajkumar Roat’s leadership, characterized by role as two time MLA, has been pivotal. His commitment to tribal issues and his ability to articulate the community’s needs resonated strongly with the electorate.
Strategic Alliances: The last moment alliance between Congress and BAP was a strategic move that consolidated the tribal vote, bolstering BAP’s position and enhancing its electoral prospects.
In his victory speech, Rajkumar Roat hailed the outcome as a triumph of democracy, emphasizing that the electorate had rejected the politics of money and muscle power.
He pledged to robustly represent the region’s issues in Parliament, promising to work tirelessly for the development and welfare of his constituents.
The tribal community, often subjected to the saying "Bhil Bhenga Karo Ke Detkan Tulo," which translates to "Unite the Bhils or weigh the frogs," has historically faced the challenge of unity.
This negative myth has been shattered by the emergence of the "Adivasi Pariwar," the foundational base of BAP. Mohanlal Roat,the national president of BAP , emphasizes that when tribals come together, no other forces can stand against them.
His message is clear: “No one is in competition with the tribal family. Come together; this is good. The more you delay, the more you will be left behind.”
BAP’s Environmental Commitment: As the world observes World Environment Day on June 5, it's crucial to recognize the intrinsic connection between Adivasi communities and the environment.
Adivasis are the original forest dwellers, living in harmony with nature and playing a vital role in conserving natural resources like trees, water, and mountains.
Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are crucial for environmental conservation.
The Bharat Adivasi Party, through its advocacy and policies, underscores the importance of preserving these natural habitats, which are not just the lifeblood of Adivasi culture but also critical for the ecological balance.
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