Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar sparked a major political controversy on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after declaring that “Adivasis are not Hindus” during a Tribal Development Council event in Chhindwara district.
The four-time Congress MLA from the Bhil community made the statement with apparent pride, saying, “I say with pride that we are Adivasis, not Hindus. I have been saying this for many years.” He referenced the mythological figure Shabari, who fed Lord Ram, stating she too was an Adivasi.
Singhar clarified that his remarks were not intended to offend any religion but emphasised the need for recognition of tribal identity. “We do not disrespect any religion. But our community, our traditions, our culture, our heritage must be recognised,” he said at the event.
The Congress leader accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and its parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, of pursuing a deliberate strategy to assimilate tribals into Hinduism by calling them “Vanvasi Hindus”. He alleged this approach aimed to weaken tribal “political autonomy and power of resistance” and ultimately end reservations for the community.
“The BJP has always avoided recognising tribal identity; for them, tribals are nothing more than a vote bank,” Singhar stated, adding that tribals are the original inhabitants of the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav responded sharply, demanding an apology from the Congress party. “It is unfortunate that the Congress always works against Hindus and Hindutva,” Yadav said in a video statement. “They should be ashamed. If they raise questions on Hindutva, the public will not forgive. Congress leaders should apologise.”
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey called Singhar’s statements “dangerous for social harmony and unity” and demanded an apology from the Congress leader. BJP leaders termed the remarks “divisive” and “anti-Hindu”.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma accused Singhar of attempting to convert tribals to Christianity, claiming that “Adivasis are followers of Sanatan culture” who worship trees and rivers.
Facing criticism, Singhar defended his position on Friday, questioning why the RSS has never appointed an Adivasi as its chief. “Why do the BJP or RSS want to stop us from worshipping nature? We are not disrespecting any religion. I, too, respect the Hindu religion. But when it comes to tribals, the BJP wants to implement its agenda,” he said.
The controversy assumes significance given that tribals constitute about 21% of Madhya Pradesh’s population according to the 2011 Census. The state has 47 out of 230 assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes, making the community electorally crucial.
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