Adivasis to Send Nail-Hair-Blood Samples in Nationwide Protest Against Rajasthan Minister's 'DNA-Test' Remark

Jaipur - The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) is set to launch a nationwide campaign in response to controversial remarks made by Rajasthan's Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, who suggested that tribals who do not identify as Hindus should undergo DNA tests to verify their lineage.

This statement has incited significant backlash and condemnation from the tribal community across the country.

A major protest is planned in Jaipur in two days, where Rajkumar Roat and other tribal members will symbolically give blood samples in defiance of Dilawar's comments.

In a statement posted on X, the BAP denounced Dilawar’s remarks as "highly condemnable and irresponsible," accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exhibiting hatred towards the tribal community.

The BAP, which has recently gained political traction with MP Rajkumar Roat and two MLAs in the Rajasthan state assembly, is leading the charge against the Minister’s controversial comments.

Party President Mohanlal Roat said , " Sanghi Madan Dilawar, Education Minister in the Rajasthan Government, is an anti-tribal person. Fearing the growing independent political consciousness among the tribals, the Sanghis have lost their mental balance and are now trying to spread unrest. But let it be very clear: do not even dare to question the DNA of the tribals. Otherwise, the tribals will check the DNA of the RSS."

National spokesperson of Bharat Adivasi Party, Dr. Jitendra Meena, speaking to The Mooknayak, condemned Dilawar's comments as highly derogatory and humiliating, emphasizing that the RSS and BJP have a history of making disparaging remarks against the indigenous community.

“This narrative has been ongoing for a long time, but now the tribal community, led by BAP, is fighting back. The BJP's recent defeat in Rajasthan, especially in the Banswara Dungarpur seat, seems to have provoked this aggression,” Meena noted.

Dr Meena said, "All the tribals across the country will burn the effigy of anti-tribal Sanghi Minister Madan Dilawar at their respective district headquarters on Sunday evening.

"Questioning the BAP's DNA is an attack on the self-respect of the tribals. Until Education Minister Madan Dilawar resigns, the tribals will not remain silent."

Meena said, "In the first phase, MP Rajkumar and BAP members will give their blood samples to Dilawar. In the second phase, we will urge sample collections from each Adivasi home. We are asking every tribal household to send a blood, hair, or nail sample in a packet with their name and address to the minister so that he can conduct a DNA test to find out our lineage."

Controversial Remarks and Growing Outrage

Minister Dilawar's contentious comments were initially aimed at BAP MP Rajkumar Roat, who had publicly stated that he does not consider himself Hindu, citing his distinct tribal heritage. In response, Dilawar questioned Roat’s lineage, suggesting a DNA test to determine whether he is "the son of a Hindu."

“We will not tolerate those who try to divide the nation and society,” Dilawar stated. “We can determine from his ancestors whether he is a Hindu or not. We have people who record genealogies and can confirm… whether they should undergo a DNA test to establish their lineage.”

Roat and the broader tribal community reacted with vehement condemnation. “The Education Minister’s comments have hurt the sentiments of tribal people. We will convene a mahapanchayat of tribal people soon to pass a resolution against Dilawar. We will also burn his effigy,” Roat declared, further calling for the BJP to apologize unconditionally or face being barred from tribal areas in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, as the statement gained traction and dissent increased, social media saw hashtags like #ResignMadanDilawar and #MadanDilawarApologize trending. In response, the Education Minister clarified his position during a press meet in Udaipur on Saturday.

Dilawar stated, "Adivasis conserve the trees which provide life-giving oxygen for us to live, and hence they are invaluable to us." He explained that his remarks were taken out of context. "One of the journalists asked about some people in the tribal community who do not consider themselves Hindu. In response, I said that to verify whether they are Hindu, we could assess their historical lineage. Regardless of gender or age, everyone is respectful to us," he clarified.

Public Reaction and Planned Demonstrations

The Adiwasi Mahendra Bhil Jawal (Sirohi), along with other tribal organizations, joined in criticizing Dilawar’s remarks.

In a defiant statement on X, the organization said: “Dilawar ji, no one in this country has the guts to question the DNA of tribals. Whether tribals are Hindus or not will be decided by the tribals themselves, not a Sanghi (RSS) like you. And let me remind you, tribals know who their fathers are; perhaps you should find out about your ancestry.”

Many tribal supporters and leaders have taken to social media, posting pictures of President Draupadi Murmu to assert their identity and pride.

BAP President Mohanlal Roat stated that while political ideologies may differ, no one has the right to question the lineage of any person or community.

The BAP is exploring legal options to address the humiliation faced by the tribal community and organizing a social and political campaign to galvanize support.

A major protest is planned in Jaipur in two days, where Rajkumar Roat and other tribal members will symbolically give blood samples in defiance of Dilawar's comments.

In a provocative move, the BAP also urged the central government to issue a DNA card, similar to the Aadhaar card, to establish basic identity. They suggested that individuals certified to be from specific foreign countries should be declared immigrants and deprived of voting rights.

As the controversy continues to escalate, the BAP is mobilizing support and drawing national attention to the rights and recognition of the tribal community.