Why Did Odisha's Government Skip Celebrating World Tribal Day?

BJD Critiques Odisha Government's Inaction on World Tribal Day

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expressed its discontent with the Mohan Charan Majhi administration in Odisha for failing to commemorate World Tribal Day, also recognized as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

The BJD marked the occasion at their party headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

During a press briefing, senior BJD figure Sudam Marndi pointed out that while the global community acknowledges this significant day, the Odisha government neglected to observe it, and the Chief Minister did not extend any message to the tribal population.

Marndi remarked, “It is quite unfortunate that the chief minister, who hails from a tribal background, did not convey any message for the tribals on this important day.”

He further noted that while neighboring West Bengal celebrated the day extensively, Odisha failed to organize any events.

Another tribal leader from the BJD, Mangala Kisan, accused the government of neglecting indigenous communities despite having a tribal chief minister, asserting that the administration is preoccupied with falsehoods.

Kisan criticized the government for its failure to fulfill promises regarding the economic and social upliftment of tribal communities, citing decisions that adversely affect them.

He alleged that the BJP-led government has reduced the budget for the Tribal Development Department and halted stipends for tribal students.

Kisan warned that if the government does not alter its stance towards tribal issues, significant protests could erupt in the near future.