The BJP would organise a two-day national convention of tribal representatives under the name “Adivashi Mahasamavesh†here on February 2 and 3.
The convention will be attended by BJP national president Amit Shah, informed Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram here.
Oram slammed the Naveen Patnaik Government saying it has done nothing for tribals in the State during the last 19 years. He said the party has given a ‘Bhubaneswar Chalo’ call to the indigenous people to show their strength.
Preparation will be made to gather more than one lakh tribals at the proposed Mahasamavesh to send out a message to the BJD Government that they are strong enough to snatch their rights.
Though records of rights have been issued to landless tribals, land has not been handed over to them, said Oram.
Stating that the six-month validity of caste certificates has become a big headache for tribals, he said tribals should be issued caste certificates for lifetime. Tribals are being exploited during issue of such certificates, he said.
The Union Minister alleged that the State Government is not cooperating in direct transfer of stipend payments and has curtailed the power of elected representatives.
BJP ST Morcha president Rabi Naik, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP national ST Morcha president Ramvichar Netam, former Chief minister Giridhar Gamang and BJP Legislature Party leader KV Singhdeo attended the preparatory meeting, among others.
