Rajasthan MP's Birsa Munda Comparison to Maoist Hidma Forces Lok Sabha Chair to Intervene
Bharat Adivasi Party MP Rajkumar Roat stirred controversy in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by drawing a parallel between slain Communist Party of India (Maoist) guerrilla fighter Madvi Hidma and revered tribal leader Birsa Munda. His remarks, made during a debate on the Union Budget, compelled the presiding officer to intervene multiple times.
Controversial Remarks on Hidma and Birsa Munda
Roat stated, "Today, the 150th anniversary of Birsa Munda is being celebrated. We are proud of this. But who was Birsa Munda? He was considered anti-national by zamindars and the British at the time. Today, he is a revolutionary, a God, and an ideal for us, fighting for jal (water), jungle, and zameen (land). In today's perspective, Hidma is seen as a Naxalite. Maybe for future generations, he will be remembered as Birsa."
Madvi Hidma, commander of CPI (Maoist)'s Battalion 1, was responsible for numerous attacks on security forces over the past decade, resulting in hundreds of casualties. He was killed by security forces in Andhra Pradesh last year.
Lok Sabha Chair Objects to Glorification of Naxalites
When Jagadambika Pal, who was in the chair, objected to the comparison, Roat clarified his stance. "I am trying to ask why adivasi youth are picking up guns. We needed to give pens to tribal youth, but they are choosing weapons. The struggle for Jal, Jungle, Zameen should be waged with the pen, not the gun," he said.
However, Pal interjected again, emphasizing, "You are a responsible member of this House. You are trying to glorify Naxalites." Roat persisted, agreeing that tribals should not resort to arms but questioning the source of weapons. "I agree tribals picking up guns must stop. But who is supplying guns from China? Naxalism must end by March 2026, but who are the people providing weapons? That must be investigated," he asserted.
Criticism of UPA and NDA Policies on Maoist Violence
Roat launched a scathing critique of both the UPA and NDA governments for their approaches to combating Maoist violence. He highlighted historical grievances, stating, "Under the Congress, the Salwa Judum movement was initiated. Over 500 tribals branded as Naxals were killed, 800 security personnel lost their lives, and 1,500 ordinary tribals died in that conflict. Thousands of tribal women were raped. In current times, more than 500 tribals have been killed, labeled as Naxals. Those being killed as Naxals are this country's tribals, the original owners of this land."
Allegations of Neglect in Budget and Tribal Issues
Turning to the Budget, Roat alleged that it ignored tribal communities, with no special allocation for their education. He claimed that schools in tribal areas are operating under tents and criticized the VB-G RAM G scheme for failing to deliver promised work days. Additionally, he demanded an increase in remuneration for anganwadi workers.
Roat also spoke about the Bhil community in Rajasthan, to which he belongs, stating, "The greatest injustice in this country has been done to the Bhil community. After independence, the community was divided into four states."
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Parliament regarding tribal rights, Maoist insurgency, and government policies, with Roat's remarks sparking a heated exchange that required chair intervention to maintain order.
