Tribal and OBC Organizations Threaten Boycott of Rajasthan CM's Baneshwar Dham Visit
In a significant development, tribal and Other Backward Class (OBC) organizations have called for a boycott of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's proposed visit to Baneshwar Dham in Dungarpur on March 16. The visit is scheduled as part of the Rajasthan Day celebrations, but tribal leaders have vowed to oppose it unless concrete steps are taken to address their long-standing demands.
Key Demands and Grievances
The tribal communities have put forth several critical demands. Their primary request is the declaration of Mangarh Dham as a national monument, a longstanding aspiration for tribal communities in southern Rajasthan and adjoining states. Additionally, they are demanding an increase in reservation for tribal communities in scheduled areas from the current 45% to 65%.
OBC organizations have joined the protest, seeking parity in reservation benefits between tribal and non-tribal regions. This unified stance highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the state government's policies.
Political Reactions and Warnings
Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat expressed skepticism about the BJP government's intentions, stating that tribal communities have little expectation from the administration. He emphasized that they would not allow their sentiments to be ignored. "Whenever the chief minister visits tribal areas, he comes with his corporate friends with an eye on our land. Our party MLAs will decide whether they will attend the programme or not," Roat asserted.
Mahendra Desai Rebari, vice-president of the Rabari Association, noted that posters and banners calling for a boycott of polls have already appeared in several areas due to widespread dissatisfaction with the state government's performance.
Widespread Protests and Awareness Campaigns
Activists have launched extensive awareness campaigns and issued protest calls across Dungarpur and Banswara districts. Banners urging people to boycott the chief minister's programme have been prominently displayed, signaling a coordinated effort to mobilize public opinion.
Some groups have even warned of a broader boycott of elections if their demands, including enhanced tribal reservation and recognition of Mangarh Dham, remain unaddressed. This escalation underscores the depth of the communities' frustrations and their determination to secure tangible outcomes.
The situation remains tense as the March 16 visit approaches, with tribal and OBC organizations standing firm on their demands for justice and recognition.
