BAP MP Alleges Land Mafia Grabbing Tribal Land for Solar Projects in Rajasthan
In a scathing critique of the state administration, Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) Member of Parliament Rajkumar Roat has leveled serious accusations against the Rajasthan government. Speaking at a press conference held at the Pink City Press Club in Jaipur on Saturday, Roat alleged that land mafias are systematically seizing tribal land under the pretext of developing solar parks in Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas.
Corruption and Negligence in Tribal Welfare
Roat highlighted large-scale corruption and administrative negligence, claiming that the government is complicit in suppressing irregularities. While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy initiatives, he vehemently opposed the forcible acquisition of tribal land. "We are not against solar parks or renewable energy. But tribal land cannot be forcibly acquired in the name of development. Land mafias are grabbing tribal lands under government protection. The administration is either complicit or deliberately silent," he asserted.
Targeting Tribal Affairs Minister
The MP specifically targeted State Tribal Affairs Minister Babulal Kharadi, accusing him of prioritizing land acquisition over tribal welfare. Roat alleged that 52 bighas of land belonging to a tribal family were unlawfully taken over, with rampant corruption plaguing the department. He revealed that in the 2024–25 fiscal year, Rs 1,500 crore from the tribal department's budget lapsed, severely halting development projects.
Further allegations included procurement irregularities, such as materials worth Rs 50 crore being supplied without proper tenders and discrepancies worth Rs 40 crore in food procurement for hostels and residential schools across districts like Udaipur, Banswara, and Pratapgarh.
Misuse of Tribal Hostels
Roat claimed that tribal hostels have been transformed into centers for political and religious activities, neglecting student welfare. "Instead of focusing on students, hostel superintendents are acting as BJP campaigners and organizing large religious gatherings. The department completely neglected students' welfare," he stated. He also cited a recent student death in a Sirohi hostel, demanding a high-level investigation into the matter.
Specific Case of Land Grab in Udaipur
Referring to an alleged land grab case in Udaipur, Roat detailed how a tribal widow, Kukibai, was deprived of land worth crores through forged documents and intimidation. "A deal worth Rs 2.09 crore was re-registered for just Rs 12.51 lakh through fraudulent means. The accused are threatening the family by claiming to be relatives of the Chief Minister," he alleged. He further claimed that nearly Rs 40 lakh was extorted from the family, with complaints to the Chief Minister and Director General of Police yielding no action.
Warning of Protest Actions
In a stern warning, Roat declared that if justice is not delivered, he will stage a dharna outside the Chief Minister's Office in Jaipur and subsequently proceed to Delhi with the victim's family to seek redress.
