6,000 Gujarat Tribals Leave for Delhi as Massive Birsa Munda Rally Pushes Delisting Demand

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A powerful wave of tribal mobilisation is sweeping across Gujarat as more than 6,000 tribal community members from different districts of the state have begun their journey to New Delhi to participate in the massive ‘Janjati Cultural Gathering’ being held on May 24 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The gathering, organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch at the historic Red Fort grounds, is expected to witness participation from lakhs of tribal men and women from across India. Participants say the movement is aimed at protecting tribal identity, preserving indigenous traditions and pressing for the passage of the controversial “Delisting Bill” in Parliament.

The atmosphere in tribal belts of Gujarat remained charged with enthusiasm as special trains carrying thousands of participants departed from different parts of the state. According to organisers, three special trains were booked from Gujarat, including routes from Godhra and Bharuch.

Yogesh Gamit, General Secretary of Tribal Welfare Ashram Gujarat Province, said the response from the tribal community has been overwhelming.

“People are travelling at their own expense because they believe this is a historic movement to protect tribal culture and constitutional rights. Lakhs of tribals from across the country are expected to unite in Delhi,” he said.

On Friday, more than 2,000 tribal community members from five districts of South Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli gathered at the historic Ramji Temple in Navsari before marching in a grand procession to the railway station, carrying traditional flags, drums and cultural symbols.

The rally’s core demand revolves around the concept of “delisting” — removing individuals from the Scheduled Tribe category if they convert to another religion and no longer follow traditional tribal customs and worship practices.

Atul Walvi, a leader associated with Janjati Kalyan Ashram Gujarat, said the organisation is seeking legal reforms to ensure reservation benefits are limited to tribals who continue to preserve indigenous traditions.

“Those who have left the traditional tribal way of life and converted to another religion should not continue receiving ST reservation benefits. Reservation must remain for those who are preserving tribal culture, customs and faith systems,” Walvi stated.

Organisers allege that increasing religious conversions in tribal villages are weakening traditional practices and threatening the social identity of indigenous communities.

On May 24, five grand cultural rallies will move through strategic locations in Delhi before converging at the Red Fort grounds. Participants dressed in traditional attire and carrying tribal musical instruments are expected to turn the event into one of the largest tribal cultural mobilisations in recent years.

Leaders of the Janjati Suraksha Manch are also expected to submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding amendments to existing laws and the introduction of the Delisting Bill in Parliament.