Amit Shah’s Sarna code stand breaks from RSS tradition on tribal identity

In a strategic shift, Home Minister Amit Shah pledged that a BJP government in Jharkhand would consider establishing a separate Sarna code for Adivasis in the census. This marks a departure from the RSS’s stance, which traditionally sees tribal groups as part of the Hindu fold. Shah made this announcement while releasing BJP’s election manifesto, sparking mixed reactions within the Sangh Parivar.

An RSS official in Ranchi stated the move is purely an electoral tactic to appease tribal sentiments, which are at a peak due to the ongoing demand for a Sarna code. The Sangh Parivar, however, remains firmly opposed to the notion of a separate tribal religion. According to the RSS, Adivasis are an integral part of Sanatan Dharma, not a distinct religious group. “Tribals celebrate Hindu festivals, visit temples, and don’t differ significantly from Hindus,” an RSS member said, dismissing the Sarna code demand as “bogus” and politically motivated.

This ideological divide is especially contentious in Jharkhand, where tribal communities make up 26% of the population. Historically, Adivasis are recognized as the earliest inhabitants of India, which contrasts with the Hindu nationalist narrative that Aryans are the land’s original people. As a result, the RSS avoids using the term “Adivasi” and prefers “vanvasi” or forest-dwellers, reinforcing its narrative of Hindu unity.

The Sangh Parivar’s efforts to integrate tribals into the Hindu fold, led by affiliates like the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA), have emphasized shared cultural roots through slogans like “Tu Main, Ek Rakht” (You and I have the same blood). This integration approach has found resistance from tribal groups who, over the years, have distanced themselves from mainstream Hindu identity.

With the demand for a Sarna code gaining traction and the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) backing it, the BJP faces pressure. In recent years, tribal leaders have argued for formal recognition of Sarna as a distinct religion, which they see as a respectful acknowledgment of their heritage.

BJP veteran Kariya Munda likened Sarna to places of worship like gurdwaras and mosques, arguing that it should not be seen as a separate religion. “This demand is a political tool to undermine BJP’s influence among tribals,” he stated firmly.

Shah’s statement has fueled debates in the RSS about balancing ideology with electoral needs.

In a strategic shift, Home Minister Amit Shah pledged that a BJP government in Jharkhand would consider establishing a separate Sarna code for Adivasis in the census. This marks a departure from the RSS’s stance, which traditionally sees tribal groups as part of the Hindu fold. Shah made this announcement while releasing BJP’s election manifesto, sparking mixed reactions within the Sangh Parivar.

An RSS official in Ranchi stated the move is purely an electoral tactic to appease tribal sentiments, which are at a peak due to the ongoing demand for a Sarna code. The Sangh Parivar, however, remains firmly opposed to the notion of a separate tribal religion. According to the RSS, Adivasis are an integral part of Sanatan Dharma, not a distinct religious group. “Tribals celebrate Hindu festivals, visit temples, and don’t differ significantly from Hindus,” an RSS member said, dismissing the Sarna code demand as “bogus” and politically motivated.

This ideological divide is especially contentious in Jharkhand, where tribal communities make up 26% of the population. Historically, Adivasis are recognized as the earliest inhabitants of India, which contrasts with the Hindu nationalist narrative that Aryans are the land’s original people. As a result, the RSS avoids using the term “Adivasi” and prefers “vanvasi” or forest-dwellers, reinforcing its narrative of Hindu unity.

The Sangh Parivar’s efforts to integrate tribals into the Hindu fold, led by affiliates like the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA), have emphasized shared cultural roots through slogans like “Tu Main, Ek Rakht” (You and I have the same blood). This integration approach has found resistance from tribal groups who, over the years, have distanced themselves from mainstream Hindu identity.

With the demand for a Sarna code gaining traction and the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) backing it, the BJP faces pressure. In recent years, tribal leaders have argued for formal recognition of Sarna as a distinct religion, which they see as a respectful acknowledgment of their heritage.

BJP veteran Kariya Munda likened Sarna to places of worship like gurdwaras and mosques, arguing that it should not be seen as a separate religion. “This demand is a political tool to undermine BJP’s influence among tribals,” he stated firmly.

Shah’s statement has fueled debates in the RSS about balancing ideology with electoral needs.