BJP Legislative Council member Shantaram Siddi has urged for the exclusion of tribal community members who have converted to other religions from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. He expressed concern that authentic indigenous tribal groups are being disadvantaged due to this issue. Siddi highlighted that out of the estimated 12 crore tribal population in India, around 1-2 crore have embraced different faiths, leading to a situation where converted tribals are reportedly benefiting from welfare schemes meant for tribal communities.
Siddi emphasized the need to address this disparity, citing instances where converted individuals are allegedly exploiting benefits available to both Scheduled Tribes and their adopted religions. He mentioned a recent national convention held in New Delhi by the Janjati Suraksha Vedike (Tribal Protection Forum), attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following the event, a memorandum was submitted to the President of India to raise awareness about this issue.
In response to Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter concerning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Siddi questioned the minister’s comprehension of the organization. He clarified that the RSS primarily focuses on character development and does not engage in financial transactions. Siddi defended the RSS’s transparency, stating that its activities are conducted openly in public spaces, making it unnecessary to address unwarranted queries.
