Jana Jati Outfit Holds Rally Demanding Removal of ST Status of Converted Tribals in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Jana Jati Suraksha Manch took out a massive rally in Bhubaneswar demanding the exclusion of tribes, who have converted to other religions, from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

Wearing their traditional attires, hundreds of tribes from different districts, took out the rally from Ram Mandir Square in Bhubaneswar. They are scheduled to attend a meeting at Janata Maidan later in the day.

The rally aims at preserving heritage and culture. It was led by the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Bishweswar Tudu.

“The tribes have their own culture and tradition. If someone is converting to another religion, he/she is going away from his original culture. So s/he must be excluded from the reservation list,” Tudu said.

“The demand is growing louder across the nation and Odisha is no different. Tribes across the state have gathered in Bhubaneswar and a meeting will be held at Janata Maidan,” the Tudu added.

“Those who left our Sanatan Hindu Dharma and converted to other religions should be excluded from the reservation category. Every tribe has its own culture, tradition and presiding deity,” said a protestor.