Udaipur: In a sharply worded press conference, Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat accused the Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP) of actively working to destroy tribal culture and hinder regional development. Dr. Rawat labeled BAP as a “gang of looters” led by Rajkumar Roat, claiming the party is promoting divisive agendas and shielding corrupt members from legal scrutiny.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, accompanied by MLA Phool Singh Meena and BJP City President Gajpal Singh, Dr. Rawat alleged that BAP leaders are involved in negative, personality-driven politics, spreading falsehoods and promoting a church-backed agenda in tribal regions. He further charged that BAP’s rhetoric about turning the Mewar-Vagad region into a “Bangladesh” is dangerous and inflammatory.
BJP’s Commitment to Tribal Welfare
Highlighting the contrast between the two parties, Dr. Rawat stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been consistently working for the welfare of tribal communities through numerous initiatives. He cited the declaration of “Tribal Pride Day,” programs like Dharti Aaba, and the establishment of dedicated tribal ministries and commissions as evidence of the BJP’s commitment to tribal progress.
In contrast, Dr. Rawat accused BAP of pushing anti-youth, anti-women, anti-culture, and anti-development agendas in Mewar’s tribal areas. He emphasized that the tribal community remains proud of its heritage and continues to follow age-old traditions, such as reverence for Lord Ram and cultural practices like wearing mangalsutras and applying sindoor. He claimed that BAP leaders are attempting to erode these cultural values.
Community Rejecting BAP’s Influence
Dr. Rawat pointed to recent local election results as evidence of tribal voters rejecting BAP’s influence. He noted that in the recent panchayat by-elections in Bankoda, Aspur, BAP received only 12 votes, while the BJP secured victory in Motagaon, a constituency it had never previously won.
He further accused Rajkumar Roat of operating BAP like a criminal syndicate, extorting money from vulnerable members of the tribal community. Citing several specific incidents, Dr. Rawat claimed that parents saving money for their children’s education were among those targeted by BAP-affiliated extortionists.
Shielding Corruption Allegations
Dr. Rawat also criticized BAP leaders for forming an “unconstitutional committee” in an attempt to protect a BAP MLA recently caught red-handed accepting bribes. He claimed that this behavior reflects a deeper alignment with church-backed interests and an effort to mislead the tribal community.
The MP argued that individuals who have converted to Christianity should not be allowed to exploit legal benefits reserved for Scheduled Tribes. He warned that BAP is attempting to sow division and spread Christian evangelism in tribal areas, which could destabilize local culture and identity.
Serious Allegations Against BAP Leadership
Drawing further parallels, Dr. Rawat compared BAP leader Rajkumar Roat to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that Roat is misusing public funds in a manner similar to the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy in Delhi.
MLA Phool Singh Meena also spoke at the press conference, detailing efforts made by BJP leaders to address concerns regarding the recent urban development (UAD) expansion, which affects tribal villages. Meena alleged that BAP leaders, previously inactive on the issue, are now attempting to politicize it for personal gain.
BJP City President Gajpal Singh reiterated that BJP remains committed to tribal welfare. He criticized BAP leaders for attempting to shield a bribery-accused MLA despite clear evidence, asserting that both the central government under PM Modi and Rajasthan’s Bhajanlal Sharma government will continue to work for the advancement of tribal communities.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
