Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, has set off a major political storm with his remarks in Chhindwara, where he urged tribals to proudly assert their indigenous identity instead of calling themselves Hindus. Speaking at a meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Vikas Parishad at the District Congress office, Singhar declared, “I proudly say that we are Adivasis, not Hindus. I have been saying this for years.” Stressing the importance of preserving tribal identity, he added, “Even Shabari, who offered berries to Lord Ram, was an Adivasi. Those who have lived on this land since ancient time are Adivasis.”
The statement has invited sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
Union Minister Durga Das Uikey strongly condemned Singhar’s remarks, calling them divisive and irresponsible. “Such comments are not only misleading but also aimed at dividing society for political gains,” Uikey said. He asserted that tribals have always been an integral part of the Hindu fold and warned that “attempts to separate them from their cultural roots will not succeed.” The Minister accused the Congress leader of hurting the sentiments of a large section of people and stressed that leaders holding constitutional posts must “speak responsibly instead of creating social discord.”
Singhar, however, received support from within his party. Congress tribal leader Ramu Tekam defended the remarks, saying, “Umangji has given voice to our emotions.
We are proud of our cultural identity.”
He described the comments as a reaffirmation of tribal pride rather than an attack on any faith.
The political fallout of the controversy is expected to be significant. The ruling BJP has long sought to project tribals as part of the broader Hindu identity, and Singhar’s statement is being viewed as a direct challenge to that narrative. Political observers note that while the Congress may consolidate tribal support by emphasising distinct cultural identity, it also risks alienating those tribals who consider themselves Hindus.
For the BJP, the remarks present an opportunity to paint the Congress as a party intent on creating divisions for electoral advantage. Leaders are already accusing the Opposition of insulting Hindu beliefs and playing with sensitive issues.
With Assembly elections still some distance away, the controversy could nevertheless shape political discourse in tribal-dominated constituencies, where voting patterns often swing outcomes.
Political observers describe the episode as a double-edged sword for Congress: on one side, it strengthens the party’s appeal among tribals seeking recognition of their unique heritage, but on the other, it exposes the leadership to charges of polarisation. How the issue develops in the coming weeks may prove crucial, given
that tribals constitute a decisive vote bank in Madhya Pradesh politics.