On 24th May (Friday), Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah spoke at the “Janjati Sanskriti Samagam” held in New Delhi to commemorate Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary. He was present as the chief guest of the event. He used the occasion to counter the conspiracy claiming that Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would deny tribal communities their culture, traditions and right to live in line with their customs.
However, Shah clarified that it is not true and their rights will not be violated at all. According to him, tribal people would not be subject to any of its provisions. He maintained that while implementing the UCC in Gujarat and Uttarakhand, the Modi government made special exceptions to exclude tribal populations and hence there would not be any interferences.
He addressed the elements sowing discord and assured that the UCC will not meddle in any tribal community’s customs. “I want you to go across the country with this message. Tell people there is nothing to fear from the UCC,” he conveyed to the attendees. Shah expressed that water, forests and mountains serve as places of worship, sources of income, and an unassailable stronghold for tribals that safeguards their identity and culture. He added that these communities have developed the best sustainable strategy available today.
आज दिल्ली में देश के कोने-कोने से आए 550 से अधिक जनजातीय समाजों के भाइयों-बहनों के साथ भगवान बिरसा मुंडा जी के 150वें जयंती वर्ष समारोह में संवाद किया।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 24, 2026
धरती आबा ने उलगुलान आंदोलन के जरिए एक ओर जनजातीय समाज को एकजुट कर मातृभूमि की रक्षा के लिए प्रेरित किया, तो दूसरी ओर उन्हें… pic.twitter.com/A8x80kNPqJ
The union minister mentioned, “All tribal communities have exemplified the principle of unity in diversity and diversity in unity.” He further remarked that the founding fathers of Indian Constitution gave each person the freedom to practise their religion in a dignified manner. Thus, no one can manipulate or force anyone to embrace a different religion through enticement, coercion or greed to coerce or entice someone
According to Shah, if the tribals decide to uphold their religion, this devotion will preserve the ties to culture and country. “Tribals follow a range of beliefs and worship nature which connects us to Sanatan Dharma. Today we have to take the pledge that we will protect our faith. It is our faith that will keep us connected to our culture and even our country,” he urged.
“Those trying to create divisions among us do not realise that thousands of years ago, Lord Rama, by eating the tasted berries offered by Shabari, taught us that we are all one,” Shah outlined. He noted that the participation of tribal groups in lakhs in the conference sent a strong signal to those who wish to create divisions.
Shah also highlighted that the Modi government has eradicated the five-decade-old problem of Naxalism which resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 tribals and the nation is now totally free of the red-terror. He stated that those who had impeded the growth of forest dwellers and indigenous communities had been removed.
Additionally, the centre’s initiatives for the welfare of the tribals were also emphasised. “Prime Minister Narednra Modi has worked consistently to advance tribal welfare. During the previous central government’s tenure, the total budget for tribal welfare was ₹28,000 crore, which he has increased to ₹1.5 lakh crore,” Shah outlined.
He brought attention to the work accomplished by previous BJP governments under Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the tribal communities across various states. He even underscored the tribal background of the chief ministers from Odisha and Chhattisgarh along with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
The program was reportedly joined by more than 1.5 lakh persons from more than 550 tribal organisations.
