ON THURSDAY, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Baiga tribal community members in Jagla village in Balaghat district on Thursday. He arrived here to meet the families of children who had lost their lives to illness. After an one-hour meeting, Rahul Gandhi said that tribal people are the original owners of the land and deserve their due rights, yet this is not happening in Madhya Pradesh. Both the Central and State governments have left them to fend for themselves. The State Government has completely failed to tackle the disease outbreak in some tribals villages of Balaghat district. He pledged to raise this issue in the Lok Sabha. Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said that families of all deceased children have not received compensation.

 

The Government must fulfill its responsibilities and must take care of medical needs of tribals. He said that Government should grant land leases to tribals under the Forest Rights Act, restart MGNREGA work, and build schools and hospitals in the area. Rahul Gandhi stated that Government constantly talks about development while corruption persists, yet when tribal brothers need help, the government is nowhere to be found. He claimed that Congress regard tribals as ‘Vanvasis’ (forest dwellers) but as ‘Adivasis’ (indigenous people), means they are the original and first owners of the country. He stated that Congress on coming to power, will provide tribals with full support and ensure they receive their due rights in education, healthcare, and employment. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi left by road from Birsi Airport in Gondia district of Maharashtra around 12 noon.