Udaipur Member of Parliament (MP) Mannalal Rawat recently voiced his support for the anti-conversion bill passed in Rajasthan, which he believes will curb attempts to mislead tribal communities.
Rawat, who has long advocated for such legislation, expressed his belief that it would play a crucial role in protecting the tribal culture in southern Rajasthan, a region he claims has faced persistent challenges related to conversions.
The MP stated that the anti-conversion bill would serve as a significant step in halting the practice of conversion in tribal areas. He argued that certain elements had been misleading the tribal population, particularly by encouraging practices that undermine traditional Hindu customs.
In his view, this was part of a broader, coordinated effort to disrupt the cultural and religious fabric of the tribal communities.
Rawat further raised concerns about the actions of leaders from the Bharatiya Adivasi Party (Baap Party) in the region, who, according to him, openly deny their tribal Hindu identity.
These leaders, he alleged, had been involved in promoting conversions and discouraging tribal women from adhering to traditional Hindu practices, such as wearing vermilion or a mangalsutra. These changes, Rawat claimed, were indicative of a deliberate effort to undermine the indigenous tribal culture.
He has previously spoken about the attack on tribal culture in southern Rajasthan in the Lok Sabha, drawing attention to what he sees as a larger conspiracy against the region’s traditional way of life.
In response, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad assured that tribals were, by Constitution, recognised as Hindus, reinforcing the belief that the preservation of tribal culture is integral to the nation's cultural diversity.
Rawat also highlighted a significant meeting held in Delhi with BJP state in-charge Radha Mohan Agarwal and state president Madan Rathore, where he discussed the issue of conversions in southern Rajasthan.
During the meeting, Rawat presented his concerns, which led to the development of an action plan aimed at safeguarding the tribal rights and promoting awareness about their cultural heritage.
Following this meeting, Agarwal and Rathore visited the region, stressing the importance of implementing the proposed action plan.
Rawat’s efforts in this regard were further supported when he was appointed the convener of the Birsa Munda Janjati Gaurav Workshops, which were organised across Udaipur and Banswara.
These workshops sought to educate tribal communities about their cultural heritage and encourage them to embrace their Hindu identity.
Through these workshops, tribal members were encouraged to unite against conversion and take a collective pledge to protect their cultural and social unity.
Rawat’s initiatives reflect a deep concern for the preservation of tribal identity in the face of what he perceives as an ongoing challenge to their traditions.
Follow us
