04-08-2005, 02:55 PM
http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory...ivasis&id=71188
Row over BJD leader's remarks on adivasis
Sampad Mahapatra
Friday, April 8, 2005 (Bhubaneswar):
Former High Court judge and Biju Janata Dal leader M Papanna is at the centre of a controversy after some newspapers quoted him as saying the adivasis are not Hindus.
The matter generated a heated debate in the assembly and some MLAs even demanded that Justice Papanna be arrested for making an anti-national statement.
However, the former judge says he had only said that Hindu laws are not accepted in toto by adivasis.
Cultural dilemma
According to the law, adivasis are considered and treated as Hindus unless they have converted to other religions.
The other Orissa MLAs too point out the adivasis are an integral part of the Jagannath culture in the state.
"The adivasis are Hindus beyond any doubt, said BJP, MLA Pratap Sarangi.
Divided house
Interestingly, it was the BJP camp that appeared divided on the issue, as the party's adivasi members were insistent they not be called Hindus.
"The adivasis have their own religion and they are not to be called Hindus," said BJP MLA Draupadi Murmu.
The debate comes at a time when adivasis are searching for the traditional identity that they have had to suppress for centuries.
In Orissa, the issue has resurfaced against the backdrop of the violent tussle between Christians and fundamentalist Hindus over the adivasis.
The adivasis account for over 22 per cent of the population in the state, and whichever political group manages to win over this group will be a power to contend with.
Row over BJD leader's remarks on adivasis
Sampad Mahapatra
Friday, April 8, 2005 (Bhubaneswar):
Former High Court judge and Biju Janata Dal leader M Papanna is at the centre of a controversy after some newspapers quoted him as saying the adivasis are not Hindus.
The matter generated a heated debate in the assembly and some MLAs even demanded that Justice Papanna be arrested for making an anti-national statement.
However, the former judge says he had only said that Hindu laws are not accepted in toto by adivasis.
Cultural dilemma
According to the law, adivasis are considered and treated as Hindus unless they have converted to other religions.
The other Orissa MLAs too point out the adivasis are an integral part of the Jagannath culture in the state.
"The adivasis are Hindus beyond any doubt, said BJP, MLA Pratap Sarangi.
Divided house
Interestingly, it was the BJP camp that appeared divided on the issue, as the party's adivasi members were insistent they not be called Hindus.
"The adivasis have their own religion and they are not to be called Hindus," said BJP MLA Draupadi Murmu.
The debate comes at a time when adivasis are searching for the traditional identity that they have had to suppress for centuries.
In Orissa, the issue has resurfaced against the backdrop of the violent tussle between Christians and fundamentalist Hindus over the adivasis.
The adivasis account for over 22 per cent of the population in the state, and whichever political group manages to win over this group will be a power to contend with.