Adivasi Leader Demands Concrete Action from Congress on Sarna Code Recognition: 'Not Mere Announcement'

Ranchi- In response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's pledge to recognize the Sarna Code if his party comes to power, Salkhan Murmu, former MP and president of the Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan, emphasized the need for concrete actions to back up the announcement. Murmu welcomed Gandhi's statement but insisted that mere announcements are not sufficient to gain the trust of the tribal populace.

It is noteworthy that Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Ranchi during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Monday. Gandhi slammed the BJP government over the recent political developments in Jharkhand and alleged that the party tried to topple the government as the chief minister was a tribal. He said that Congress would support and strive for the recognition of Sarna Dharma Code.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Salkhan Murmu stressed that the Congress Party must raise the Sarna Code issue in the current Parliament session and take proactive steps, such as presenting a memorandum on Sarna to the President and organizing a national public meeting led by Rahul Gandhi. He highlighted the historical context, pointing out that the separate religion code for tribals was removed by the Congress government itself in the 1951 census.

"On the other hand, Sengel has given an ultimatum to the BJP central government until March 31, 2024. If the recognition of the Sarna Dharma Code is not announced, then there will be a Bharat Bandh on April 7, 2024, and railway and road traffic will be disrupted. The Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan, along with other tribal organizations, will continue the movement until the Sarna Dharma code of the nature-worshipping tribals is achieved," he further said.

Rahul Gandhi, during a public rally in Ranchi as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, vowed to conduct a nationwide caste census and remove the 50 per cent cap on reservation if the opposition’s INDIA bloc comes to power after the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He accused the BJP of attempting to topple the JMM-Congress-RJD government in Jharkhand due to the tribal chief minister.

On Tuesday, addressing a press meet in Gumla, Gandhi cited ongoing efforts in Telangana as an example. He underscored that wherever the Congress is in power, initiatives for caste enumeration are underway, signalling the party's dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse social fabric of India.

Expanding on the party's agenda, Gandhi outlined the party's vision to extend reservation benefits to backward classes while safeguarding the reservation quotas allocated for Dalits and tribals.

He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his stance on caste issues and alleged attempts to suppress democracy in opposition-ruled states.

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