A fresh political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after Congress Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar declared that “tribals are not Hindus,” during a Tribal Development Council event in Chhindwara on September 4, 2025. The remark, which Singhar said he made “with pride,” has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav demanding an apology and accusing the Congress of “anti-Hindu rhetoric.”
Singhar, a four-time MLA from the Bhil community—the largest tribal group in Madhya Pradesh—clarified that his statement was not intended to offend any faith, but rather to assert the distinct cultural and spiritual identity of tribal communities. “We do not disrespect any religion. But our community, our culture, our heritage must be acknowledged. Tribals deserve respect no matter which party is in power,” he said.
🧭 Timeline of Events Surrounding the Controversy
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 4, 2025 | Umang Singhar makes “Tribals not Hindus” remark | BJP demands apology, sparks Assembly uproar |
| Sept 5, 2025 | CM Mohan Yadav responds, calls Congress “anti-Hindu” | Political polarization intensifies |
| Sept 6, 2025 | Congress defends Singhar’s statement | Tribal identity debate gains national traction |
The controversy has reignited debates around tribal identity, religious classification, and electoral politics in India’s heartland.
🔍 Key Statements and Political Reactions
| Leader / Party | Statement / Position | Political Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Umang Singhar (Congress) | “We are Adivasis, not Hindus… Shabari was an Adivasi” | Asserts tribal cultural autonomy |
| Mohan Yadav (BJP) | “Congress works against Hindus and Hindutva” | Accuses Congress of divisive politics |
| Rajneesh Agrawal (BJP) | “Congress is influenced by the Tukde Tukde gang” | Frames Congress as anti-national |
| Deepak Baij (Congress, Chhattisgarh) | “Adivasis are not Hindus” | Echoes Singhar’s stance, fuels regional debate |
The BJP has accused Congress of attempting to “separate tribals from Hindu society” and warned that such rhetoric could alienate voters.
📉 Tribal Demographics and Electoral Significance in Madhya Pradesh
| Metric | Value / Description | Political Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tribal Population | 1.53 crore (21% of state population) | Largest tribal population in India |
| Major Tribal Groups | Bhil, Gond, Baiga, Korku | Cultural diversity and regional influence |
| Reserved ST Assembly Seats | 47 out of 230 | Key battleground for all major parties |
| Tribal Voter Turnout (2023) | 72% | High engagement, swing potential |
Tribal identity politics are expected to play a decisive role in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.
🔥 Historical Context: Tribal Identity vs Religious Classification
| Perspective | Description | Implication for Policy and Politics |
|---|---|---|
| Tribal Spirituality | Nature worship, animism, ancestral rituals | Often distinct from mainstream Hindu practices |
| RSS Viewpoint | Tribals as “Vanvasi Hindus” | Seeks integration into Hindu fold |
| Constitutional Status | Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 | Recognized as distinct socio-cultural groups |
| Conversion Laws | Anti-conversion laws in MP, Chhattisgarh | Politically sensitive and contested |
Singhar’s remarks challenge the RSS-BJP narrative and revive long-standing debates on tribal autonomy and religious identity.
🧠 Expert Commentary on the Controversy
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Anthropologist, Tribal Studies | “Singhar’s statement reflects a lived reality for many tribal communities.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Political Analyst | “This is a calculated move to consolidate tribal votes ahead of elections.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Identity Politics | “The BJP’s reaction shows how sensitive the Hindutva narrative is to dissent.” |
Experts agree that the controversy is not just about religion—it’s about power, representation, and cultural recognition.
📦 Congress vs BJP: Competing Tribal Narratives
| Party Name | Tribal Strategy | Key Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Congress | Emphasizing tribal distinctiveness | “Respect tribal identity, protect culture” |
| BJP | Integrating tribals into Hindu fold | “Vanvasi Hindus, part of Sanatan Dharma” |
| Congress Challenges | RSS’s lack of tribal leadership | “Why no tribal RSS chief?” |
| BJP Counterpoints | Congress’s past anti-conversion laws | “Congress is inconsistent on tribal issues” |
Both parties are vying for tribal support, but their ideological approaches remain sharply divergent.
📅 Upcoming Political Milestones in Madhya Pradesh
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Tribal Welfare Budget Review | October 2025 | Allocation scrutiny amid controversy |
| Assembly Election Campaigns | November 2025 | Tribal outreach will dominate narratives |
| State Elections | December 2025 | High-stakes contest for tribal constituencies |
| National Tribal Convention | January 2026 | Platform for cultural and policy dialogue |
These events will shape the trajectory of tribal politics and influence voter sentiment across the state.
📌 Conclusion
Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Umang Singhar’s assertion that “tribals are not Hindus” has ignited a fierce political and cultural debate ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. While the BJP accuses Congress of divisive politics, the Congress defends its stance as a call for tribal dignity and recognition. As tribal identity becomes a central electoral issue, the controversy underscores the complex interplay between religion, politics, and representation in India’s democracy.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and expert commentary as of September 6, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
