Kolkata: State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Wednesday alleged that tribal communities in Bengal suffered heavily due to the “politics of hatred” pursued by the previous Trinamool Congress govt.Recounting how President Droupadi Murmu was allegedly slighted during a visit to the state under the previous govt, Bhattacharya said the TMC went to the extent of criticising the complexion of a woman who fought against all odds to reach the highest constitutional office. “Bengal continued its politics of division and opposition to the Centre. They pursued a politics of hatred, due to which several centrally sponsored welfare schemes were stalled in Bengal,” Bhattacharya said while addressing a convention of tribal communities at Mahajati Sadan.“We have the first tribal woman elected as the President of India. Unfortunately, Trinamool was even critical of her complexion. When President Droupadi Murmu tried to address a tribal convention in Siliguri, she was denied a proper ground and was allotted a space inside a narrow lane. Even civic volunteers spoke to her in a derogatory tone,” Bhattacharya said.Bhattacharya further alleged that tribals in the state were deprived of major central benefits. “The tribal community in India has never begged for development. The PM-JANMAN scheme was introduced specifically to uplift tribal communities that are on the verge of extinction. While every other state implemented the scheme, Bengal did not. I will request chief minister Suvendu Adhikari to launch these welfare schemes as soon as possible,” he said.Recounting how tribals in Deucha Pachami were allegedly tortured during the land acquisition drive under the earlier regime, Bhattacharya urged the new state govt to initiate a probe into the matter. He stressed the need for inclusive and holistic development in terms of health and education. “The rights of tribals are secured across the country, and Bengal will no longer be an exception. Tribals have an inherent right to water, land and forests,” he said.Bhattacharya also highlighted the region’s mining potential, urging local communities to support upcoming projects. “Rare earth minerals worth lakhs of crores were found in Purulia. Had the previous state govt cooperated, excavation projects would have already commenced. Exploration is also underway in Kalimpong for potential gold reserves. I request the tribal population to cooperate with these mining processes as these excavations will transform the regional economy,” he added.
