Chhattisgarh: 61 Return to Original Faith in BJP MLA's 'Ghar Wapsi' Drive
BJP MLA Bhawna Bohra leads Ghar Wapsi campaign in Kabirdham, helping 61 people return to their original faith and tribal identity.
In a significant move to preserve tribal identity and traditional beliefs, 61 individuals returned to their original faith during a 'Ghar Wapsi' campaign in the Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh. The event, organized by BJP MLA from Pandariya, Bhawna Bohra, took place at the Mahidbara Gram Panchayat, drawing participants from several surrounding villages.
A Respectful Homecoming
The atmosphere at the Mahidbara Gram Panchayat was one of welcome and restoration. To mark the occasion, MLA Bhawna Bohra personally welcomed those returning to their original faith by washing their feet, symbolizing a respectful homecoming. The event saw a large turnout from all sections of society, particularly from the forest areas of the Kui-Kukdur region.
Protecting Tribal Identity in the Forest Belt
The Pandariya Assembly constituency is located within the forest belt of Chhattisgarh, an area with a high concentration of Baiga tribals. According to the organizers, there had been a noticeable trend of religious conversions among these tribal communities. To counter this, MLA Bohra launched the 'Ghar Wapsi' campaign, which has now seen more than 500 people return to their traditional faith.
Community representatives emphasized that this initiative is not a political maneuver but a collective effort to safeguard the religion, culture, and unique tribal identity of the region. For the last six months, community members have been actively visiting households and villages to reconnect people with their ancestral traditions.
"Our goal is not to oppose anyone, but to safeguard our culture, tradition, and original identity. There should be no attempt to mislead simple-hearted people in forest regions to change their faith," stated MLA Bhawna Bohra.
Allegations of Inducement and Misleading Tactics
Several individuals who returned to their original faith shared harrowing accounts of how they were initially persuaded to convert. They alleged that they were lured into prayer meetings through various promises and inducements.
- Health and Medicine: Some were promised medical benefits and access to medicines.
- Education and Employment: Others were lured with promises of better education and job opportunities.
Ramlal, one of the participants, recounted his experience, stating that he was misled by promises of health benefits. He admitted that for nearly three years, he struggled to discern the truth, but has now realized the value of his original traditions.
Community-Led Vigilance
The movement has now evolved into a community-wide effort. Itwari Ram, a representative of the Baiga community, noted that the entire community has taken responsibility for protecting its identity. He mentioned that they are continuously counseling villagers to prevent further loss of culture.
Beyond the religious aspect, the community has also raised concerns regarding land use, demanding legal action against unauthorized constructions on government land. The representatives affirmed that the campaign will continue until the tribal culture and identity are fully secured.