Mon Apr 21 23:16:00 UTC 2025: ## Chhattisgarh CM Sparks Debate Over Tribal Hindu Identity

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh –** A heated debate has erupted in Chhattisgarh over the religious identity of tribal communities after Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared them the “biggest Hindus.” Sai made the statement during a religious event on Sunday, highlighting the worship of deities like Shiva and Parvati in tribal areas.

However, former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel strongly criticized Sai’s assertion. Baghel argued that the Chief Minister should review the Constitution, which grants special status and reservation benefits to tribal communities. He warned that identifying tribals as Hindus could jeopardize their constitutional rights and reserved status.

Baghel’s statement emphasizes that classifying tribals as Hindus would potentially remove their special protections and reserved seats in government and public institutions. According to the 2011 census, tribal communities comprise 30.62% of Chhattisgarh’s population, concentrated primarily in the Sarguja and Bastar regions. The exchange underscores the sensitive issue of tribal identity and its implications for political representation and social policy in the state.

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