Overview

• Speaking at a Tribal Development Council event in Chhindwara, Umang Singhar told attendees to "say with pride we are Adivasis, not Hindus" and cited Shabari from the Ramayana to underline tribal identity.
• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other BJP leaders condemned the statement and pressed for an apology, calling it an insult to Hindus and harmful to social harmony.
• BJP figures, including MLA Rameshwar Sharma, accused the Congress leader of trying to divide society and alleged a push to convert tribals to Christianity.
• Singhar defended his position by stressing distinct tribal customs and legal protections, accused the BJP and RSS of trying to subsume Adivasis into Hinduism, and said he respects all religions.
• With 47 Assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes and tribals comprising roughly 21% of Madhya Pradesh’s population, the clash carries clear electoral implications.