In Rajasthan, a significant movement is gaining momentum as the tribal community advocates for the establishment of a new state called ‘Bhil Pradesh.’ This proposed state aims to merge 49 districts across four states: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. In Rajasthan alone, the proposal includes 12 of the older 33 districts.
Despite the state government’s official rejection of this demand, the call for Bhil Pradesh has sparked considerable dialogue and activism. The movement recently gained national attention after a major rally was organized by thirty-five organizations, including the prominent Adivasi Parivar, at Mangarh Dham in Banswara.
During the rally, Maneka Damor, a founder member of Adivasi Parivar Sanstha, made a striking statement that resonated with many attendees. She encouraged tribal women to reject traditional Hindu customs like wearing sindoor (a traditional vermilion mark) and mangalsutra (a sacred necklace worn by married women). Instead, she emphasized the importance of education and self-identity for tribal women, advocating for a shift away from these customary practices.
The movement is supported by the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which has been instrumental in mobilizing the community. Rajkumar Roat, a BAP Member of Parliament from Banswara, highlighted that the call for Bhil Pradesh is not a new demand but a longstanding one. He announced plans to formally approach President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a proposal for the creation of the new state.
The rally at Mangarh Dham saw a large turnout from tribal communities across the four states, prompting heightened security measures in the area, including an internet shutdown to maintain order.
“A delegation will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the proposal for a separate state for the Bhil community,” MP Rajkumar Roat stated. This announcement underscored the seriousness of the movement and the determination of its supporters to seek formal recognition for their demands.
However, the state government remains firm in its stance against the creation of a new state based on caste. Tribal Minister Babulal Kharadi reiterated that a state formed solely on caste lines is not feasible. He warned that such a precedent could lead to similar demands from other groups and clarified that the state government would not forward any such proposal to the central government.
The demand for Bhil Pradesh is rooted in a desire for better representation and development opportunities for the tribal community. Advocates argue that a separate state would provide more focused governance and resources tailored to the unique needs of the Bhil population. The tribal community’s call for Bhil Pradesh has highlighted broader issues of representation, cultural identity, and regional development.
As the movement continues to gain traction, it remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the formal proposal. The demand for Bhil Pradesh reflects ongoing tensions between the need for cultural preservation and the practical challenges of governance and resource allocation in a diverse and populous country like India.
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