During a recent visit to Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was asked about the delisting of tribals who have converted to other religions, primarily Christianity - an issue that has been festering in the State since the beginning of this year. A number of rallies have been held in Jashpur in recent months to protest against tribals, who have converted, but still avail benefits of the Scheduled Tribe provisions.
Mr. Baghel sought to put the ball in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s court, saying that the campaign for delisting was being run by the BJP and since the party was in power at the Centre, it should initiate a constitutional amendment if it meant business rather than “hold rallies in Jashpur”.
While the issue of delisting of Christian tribals in order to deny them reservation benefits has gained momentum nationally since the beginning of this year, the question assumes greater significance in a district like Jashpur that has 67 per cent tribal population, most of whom hail from the Oraon tribe and a majority of whom are converts to Christianity from several generations ago.
