Overview
- Rahul Gandhi made the accusation on Wednesday at the Adivasi Professionals Conclave at Indira Bhawan, addressing tribal professionals and posting remarks on Facebook.
- He said the BJP and RSS seek to deprive tribals of rights to 'jal, jangal aur zameen' (water, forests and land) and called this an 'anti‑Adivasi mindset.'
- Gandhi criticised the use of the term 'Vanvasi' as a label that he said dilutes tribal identity and erased distinct culture, history and languages.
- He began his remarks by paying tribute to tribal leader Birsa Munda and was presented with traditional Adivasi headgear by Adivasi Congress chief Vikrant Bhuria.
- News reports record Gandhi’s allegations and Congress’s pledge to fight for protections but do not yet include a formal response from the BJP or RSS and do not independently verify the policy claims; the dispute could sharpen political focus on tribal identity and resource rights.