BJP to Host Weeklong Events Honouring Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Raghubar Das Says BJP Considers Tribals as Family, Not Vote Bank

Key Points:

• BJP to celebrate Birsa Munda Jayanti and Tribal Pride Day
• Raghubar Das highlights tribal role in India’s freedom movement
• Demands Jharkhand government to implement PESA law swiftly

JAMSHEDPUR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a series of programs across Jharkhand and the nation to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the Tribal Pride Day.

At a press conference held at the BJP district office in Sakchi, former Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that India’s tribal communities had sown the seeds of freedom long before 1857. He recalled the courage and sacrifice of Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, and many other tribal heroes who resisted British rule.

Das said that movements such as the 1767 Chuar Rebellion, 1778 Pahariya Revolt, 1831 Kol Uprising, 1855 Santhal Hul, and 1899 Ulgulan were milestones that ignited the spirit of self-respect and self-rule.

He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tribal history and contributions, once neglected for decades, are now being honoured and integrated into India’s national narrative. “Unlike other parties that treat tribals as a vote bank, the BJP considers them an inseparable part of its large family,” he said.

Das noted that on Birsa Munda’s 150th anniversary, a grand statue was unveiled at Basera Park in New Delhi. He reminded that during the double-engine government in Jharkhand, a grand memorial and museum were established at the Ranchi jail where Birsa Munda spent his final days.

He further said that the Modi government has taken historic steps for tribal empowerment and self-governance. “Of the ten states that implemented the PESA Act effectively, seven did so after 2014,” he said, urging the Jharkhand government to implement it without delay.

Highlighting welfare measures, Das mentioned the Forest Rights Act 2006, Van Dhan Yojana, TRIFED, TRIFOOD initiative, and the 2023 Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, which has a budget of ₹15,000 crore. He said that 722 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned till July 2025.

According to him, schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission reflect the Centre’s commitment to tribal welfare. Das also recalled that Prime Minister Modi declared November 15 as Tribal Pride Day in 2021 to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other tribal freedom fighters.

The BJP plans to celebrate the week with events showcasing tribal art, dance, and culture in Jamshedpur and other regions. Das reiterated that Birsa Munda strongly opposed religious conversion and said that the BJP government had enacted an anti-conversion law as a true tribute to him.

He also extended greetings to all residents of Jharkhand on the state’s 25th Foundation Day and urged everyone to follow Birsa Munda’s ideals for a self-reliant and culturally proud Jharkhand.

He added that BJP will also organise cultural and community programs similar to those during Birsa Jayanti celebrations in Seraikela-Kharsawan and honour tribals as part of Tribal Pride Day programs across the state.

Das concluded by reaffirming the BJP’s resolve to continue promoting tribal welfare, unity, and self-governance in Jharkhand, inspired by Birsa Munda’s ideals and his legacy of resistance.