New Delhi: Participating in the Adivasi Professionals Conclave 2026, an event organised by the Adivasi Congress at Indira Bhawan, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi, launched a direct attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on June 3, 2026, accusing them of harbouring an anti-Adivasi mindset. He said that the ruling dispensation is actively seeking to deprive tribal communities of their constitutional rights over water, forests, and land. Shri Rahul Gandhi began his address by paying respects to the iconic tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, before engaging in a detailed discussion on the systemic issues currently confronting tribal populations across India.

He asserted that Adivasis are the original custodians of India, embodying the country’s deepest historical consciousness and wisdom. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi drew a sharp ideological contrast between the definitions used by the Congress and the right-wing ecosystem, arguing that the term “Vanvasi” used by the BJP and RSS is a deliberate attempt to dilute tribal identity. He said “Adivasi” signifies the original inhabitants and first owners of the land. In contrast, the term “Vanvasi” merely conveys the idea of forest dwellers, stripping them of their distinct culture, history, and languages.

He argued that categorising communities solely by their geographical residence reduces a rich heritage to a generic label, akin to calling anyone living in the forests of Japan or Africa by the same name.

Shri Rahul Gandhi emphasised that for any community or nation to progress, it must first understand its cultural identity and roots. He described the Adivasi community as the very roots of India, the first to anchor itself in the soil.

The Leader of the Opposition further warned against ongoing efforts to obliterate national history and sever ties to this cultural treasure. He noted that while tribal youth are encouraged to become doctors or engineers, their true history spanning thousands of years is being systematically disregarded. Reaffirming his Party’s commitment, Shri Rahul Gandhi stated that the Congress is prepared to fight every battle to protect tribal rights.

The leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi was also presented with traditional Adivasi headgear by Adivasi Congress Chief Vikrant Bhuria. The Conclave was attended by the National Coordinator of SC, ST, OBC and minorities departments Shri K. Raju and Chairman of All-India Adivasi Dr. Vikrant Bhuria and senior congress leaders and workers.

In a Facebook post in Hindi, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said, “The Adivasis are the original custodians of India – the very people in whom India’s historical consciousness and wisdom are embodied. This is the truth.” “The anti-Adivasi mindset of the BJP and RSS seeks to deprive you of your rights to ‘Jal, Jangal, aur Zameen (water, forests, and land)’ by labeling you ‘Vanvasi’,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said.

“The Congress Party and I respect your rights, and we are prepared to take every step, and fight every battle to protect them,” he asserted.