Ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sparked controversy by accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being "anti-tribal." On October 19, during a speech in Ranchi, Gandhi said, "The BJP calls tribals 'Vanvasi'," adding that "India's education system only contains 10-15 lines about tribals." This statement has become a point of contention, as the BJP swiftly countered his claims.

The BJP highlighted that the education system Gandhi referred to was shaped during Congress's rule. According to the party, it was Congress that overlooked significant tribal figures, from Birsa Munda to India's current President, Droupadi Murmu. By raising these points, the BJP has criticized Congress's historical approach to tribal representation, especially underlining Gandhi's own party's role in shaping the system he now critiques.

Gandhi's comments were aimed at appealing to tribal voters, but some argue they have backfired. He stated, "I studied in India's education system. You'll only find 10-15 lines about tribals. What is their history? What is their way of life? There's nothing written about that." He also questioned the labeling of communities as "backward," a point that appeared to resonate with his broader critique of the system.

However, many have pointed out the irony of these remarks. Gandhi received his education during Congress's tenure in power, and the academic system he criticizes was largely designed and implemented by Congress governments after India's independence. BJP leader Babulal Marandi responded forcefully, agreeing that Congress and the Gandhi family ignored tribal history and culture for decades. He also mentioned that during Gandhi's school years, tribal history was not given adequate coverage in textbooks.

Marandi went on to say that Congress's neglect of tribal history was a reflection of its broader governance issues, where tribal contributions were sidelined. However, he emphasized that the current government, led by a leader who respects all communities, has made significant changes. He urged Gandhi to acknowledge the progress made in recent years, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first PM to visit Birsa Munda's village and pay tribute to his legacy.

. @RahulGandhi जी ने सही कहा कि आदिवासी समाज का इतिहास और उनकी संस्कृति को कांग्रेस पार्टी और गांधी परिवार ने दशकों तक नज़रअंदाज़ किया। आदिवासियों के संघर्ष, उनकी राजनीति और उनकी सामाजिक स्थिति को कभी प्रमुखता से स्थान नहीं दिया गया। राहुल गांधी ने अपने स्कूल में देखा कि देश… pic.twitter.com/VRvxIAKioZ

— Babulal Marandi (@yourBabulal) October 19, 2024

The BJP also reminded Gandhi that Congress historically overlooked tribal rights, as seen in their handling of the Jharkhand movement. Despite Gandhi's attempt to empathize with Jharkhand's tribal community, critics pointed out that it was the BJP that played a key role in creating states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, Congress ally Lalu Prasad Yadav had opposed Jharkhand's formation.

The issue of tribal rights has become a major talking point, with Congress facing allegations of neglect, while the BJP continues to position itself as the party that respects and honors tribal contributions. The upcoming elections in Jharkhand will likely see this narrative play a key role, with both parties trying to appeal to the state's tribal population.