THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 24: Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader Babulal Marandi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing them of pursuing divisive politics aimed at fragmenting tribal society for vote-bank gains.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Marandi said attempts to divide society and weaken tribal identity would not succeed.
‘No Difference Between Sarna, Sanatan and Hindu Traditions’
Reacting to the controversy surrounding the proposed Adivasi Samagam (Tribal Conclave), Marandi asserted that Sarna, Sanatan and Hindu traditions share deep cultural and spiritual similarities.
“There is no difference between Sarna, Sanatan and Hindu traditions. All of them are rooted in the worship of nature — trees, mountains, stones, rivers and Mother Earth,” he said.
Marandi said tribal communities across India worship their own deities while maintaining a shared cultural ethos that reflects “unity in diversity.”
He claimed that despite these similarities, Congress and JMM leaders were trying to create confusion by alleging attempts to “convert” tribals into Hindus.
“There is no tradition of making someone a Hindu; one is born into it. On the other hand, people are converted into Christianity or Islam,” he said.
Congress Following British-Era ‘Divide and Rule’ Politics: Marandi
The BJP leader alleged that the Congress party inherited the British policy of dividing society.
“The British established the Congress party after the 1857 revolt as a ‘safety valve’. The British ruled by dividing society, and Congress remains a spiritual offspring of that legacy,” Marandi said.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, he said Gandhi had suggested dissolving the Congress after Independence, but the party ignored his advice.
“Even today, Congress continues to follow the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’. As its political base weakens, it is trying new ways to fracture society,” he alleged.
Attack on Congress, JMM Over Tribal Politics
Marandi accused Congress and JMM of creating divisions within tribal society for electoral gains. He also alleged that provisions under the PESA Act were being used to weaken traditional tribal systems and customs.
He further alleged that both parties remain silent on religious conversions.
“A conspiracy is being hatched in the name of vote-bank politics to isolate indigenous tribal communities and create alienation among them. This conspiracy will not succeed,” he said.
Call to Protect Tribal Worship Sites
Marandi stressed the need to preserve and protect tribal religious sites such as Sarna Masna, Pahanai, Jaherthan and Manjhi Than.
He alleged that lands associated with tribal worship were being encroached upon by mafias and needed urgent protection.
“When Jharkhand was formed, and our government came to power, we initiated fencing of Jaherthans and construction of Manjhi Thans. The Raghubar Das government carried this work forward,” he said.
State BJP Vice President Rakesh Prasad and State Spokesperson Rafia Naz were also present during the press conference.