At a World Tribal Day event in Gariaband, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the Modi government and Chhattisgarh’s Sai government of violating tribal rights and the PESA Act.
GARIABAND, CHHATTISGARH: On World Tribal Day, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh attended a special program in Gariaband and launched a sharp attack on the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chhattisgarh government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Addressing the gathering, Singh raised concerns over the representation of tribal communities in India’s institutions. He claimed that despite India’s tribal population being around 105 million, only one judge from the tribal community is currently represented on the Supreme Court.
Singh also alleged that no tribal personality has so far been awarded the Bharat Ratna, despite the country’s highest civilian honor having been awarded to dozens of individuals. He demanded that legendary tribal leaders, including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, be considered for the Bharat Ratna.
Sanjay Singh Raises PESA Act Concerns in Chhattisgarh
Singh subsequently targeted both the Modi government and the Sai government, alleging that the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, is being violated in Chhattisgarh.
He specifically raised the issue of forest clearance and tree cutting in the Hasdeo region, claiming that permission had been granted for the cutting of approximately 450,000 trees in an area he described as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh.”
According to Singh, the provisions of the PESA Act require consultation and consent mechanisms involving local tribal communities and Gram Sabhas before decisions affecting tribal land and resources are taken.
“The BJP government in Chhattisgarh has become a hostage to Adani, Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi,” Singh alleged.
The AAP leader’s comments come amid the long-running political and environmental controversy surrounding coal mining and forest conservation in the Hasdeo region.
Attack Over NEET Controversy
Singh also criticized the government over the NEET examination controversy, alleging that irregularities surrounding the examination had severely affected students.
He claimed that 21 students lost their lives following the controversy and that around 2.2 million young people were affected. He also said that approximately 250,000 students did not appear for the re-examination.
Singh further alleged that students who staged a protest at Jantar Mantar were not adequately heard despite continuing their agitation.
Promises to Raise Tribal Issues in Parliament
Concluding his address, Singh said that he would continue to support the rights and demands of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh.
He said he would stand alongside tribal communities in their future struggles and raise issues concerning Chhattisgarh, tribal rights, forest protection and social justice in the Rajya Sabha.
The remarks made at the World Tribal Day event are expected to add further momentum to the ongoing political debate over tribal rights, forest conservation, PESA implementation and development projects in Chhattisgarh.
