Rajasthan’s political scene heated up on Friday after Tribal Affairs Minister Babulal Kharadi’s remarks triggered a sharp counterattack from the Bharat Adivasi Party. The controversy began when Kharadi addressed a programme in Dewla, Gogunda, during the foundation ceremony of an Eklavya residential school building. He told people not to “place the BAP on their heads,” a comment that ignited outrage.
BAP district president Amit Kharadi responded within hours. He said the minister should resign if he wants to preach religion. Amit accused the minister of raising religious issues instead of answering questions about alleged scams in tribal hostels and hand pump installations. He claimed that students deserved development, not polarising speeches.
The clash intensified after Babulal Kharadi questioned BAP’s stand on tribal identity. He asked, “If Adivasis are not Hindus, then who are they? You worship your ancestors and visit temples. If you refuse to go to temples, then where will you go?”
The remarks pushed the political debate into sensitive territory as both parties brace for upcoming electoral battles. The war of words reflects deeper tensions between traditional tribal politics and rising ideological divisions across Rajasthan’s tribal belt.
