A major gathering in New Delhi, has drawn concern from Christian leaders and rights advocates after calls were made to remove welfare protections from tribal people who have converted to Christianity or Islam.
Around 50,000 people attended a half-day rally held near the historic Red Fort on 24 May. Participants, dressed in traditional tribal clothing, urged the government to remove converted Christians and Muslims from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category through changes to Article 342 of the Indian Constitution.
The ST classification in India is designed to recognise Indigenous and tribal communities as among the most economically and socially disadvantaged. It provides access to affirmative action, including reservations in education, employment, and political representation, according to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The event, called the Tribal Cultural Conclave, was organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch, a tribal group linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological organisation associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
India's Home Minister Amit Shah attended as chief guest. He urged tribal communities to preserve their cultural identity and traditional practices during his address. The event also marked the 150th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda, a well-known figure in India’s colonial history.
Speakers at the rally argued that tribal people who convert to Christianity or Islam should not continue to receive ST benefits, saying that such conversions threaten tribal identity and heritage. Some also called for new laws to redefine eligibility for tribal status.
The rally has led to strong criticism from various tribal and political groups. At least 100 tribal organisations have expressed opposition, warning that the campaign could divide Indigenous communities along religious lines.
Opponents argue that the movement risks weakening tribal unity and could be used for political purposes. Former minister Geetashree Oraon described the initiative as politically motivated, saying it ignored long-standing struggles faced by tribal communities over land, forests, and resources.
On 25 May, members of the opposition Indian National Congress held a counter-demonstration in Delhi in response to the previous day’s rally. Reports indicated that police detained several protesters during the event.
Christian leaders have also spoken out strongly. Father Nicholas Barla, formerly associated with the Catholic Church’s work on tribal affairs, warned that efforts to remove converted tribal people from official lists could undermine constitutional protections meant to safeguard Indigenous communities.
He said the campaign could deepen divisions within tribal society and create long-term harm, arguing that it is driven more by political interests than by genuine concern for tribal welfare.
Other tribal activists have echoed similar concerns, suggesting that misinformation about religion and identity is being used to divide communities for political gain. They warn that such divisions could weaken long-standing protections over land, culture, and resources.
Critics of the proposal say it may set a precedent that affects not only Christian and Muslim tribal groups but also broader Indigenous rights in the future.
The debate highlights growing tensions in India over religion, identity, and access to affirmative action benefits. While supporters of the rally claim it is aimed at protecting tribal culture, opponents argue it risks undermining constitutional safeguards and increasing social division.
The issue is expected to remain a point of political and social debate as discussions continue over tribal rights and constitutional protections in the country.
Based on reporting from UCA News.
