Past governments overlooked tribal contributions in freedom struggle: PM in Bihar

PM Modi criticised past Congress-led governments for neglecting tribal contributions in India's freedom struggle and emphasised the importance of recognizing tribal leaders like Birsa Munda.

In Short

• PM Modi criticises past neglect of tribal contributions in freedom struggle
• He praises tribal leaders like Birsa Munda for their role in independence
• PM Modi questions attempts to credit independence to one party and family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday criticised previous Congress-led governments for neglecting the contributions of India’s tribal communities in the freedom struggle. Without naming the Congress or any individual, he remarked that efforts were made to attribute the country’s independence to only one party and one family.

"The attempt was to give all the credit to just one party and one family. If our country got independence because of one family, then why did Birsa Munda launch the 'Ulgulan' movement?", PM Modi questioned.

Speaking at the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas event, organised to mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the revered tribal leader, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, PM Modi questioned the omission of tribal leaders' contributions, pointing to figures like Birsa Munda, who led the ‘Ulgulan’ movement, as key players in the freedom movement.

The Prime Minister emphasised the tribal community's historical importance, acknowledging that earlier governments failed to give them the recognition they deserved. He highlighted that the BJP and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are proud of their decision to elect tribal woman Draupadi Murmu as India's President.

"India's tribal community did not get justice earlier," PM Modi said, adding that many tribal leaders had played a crucial role in the country's fight for independence.

At the event, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s efforts to uplift the tribal population. He praised their strong connection with nature and their role in preserving the environment. He pointed to significant policy changes aimed at improving their living conditions, including the creation of a separate ministry for tribal welfare and a sharp increase in the budget for tribal development, from Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

The Prime Minister also announced the opening of new sports facilities for tribal athletes, highlighting their growing influence in the sports sector. He noted that 90 forest products now have a Minimum Support Price (MSP), along with ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access for tribal communities.

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister urged national unity to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India's tribal people, ensuring their contributions are recognised in the nation’s growth.

With inputs from PTI