Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 23: Brinda Karat, the national vice president of Adivasi Adhikar Manch, addressed the gathering at the ‘Adivasi Akrosha Rally’ at Clock Tower on Thursday, January 23, voicing the need for justice and rights for the Koraga community and lashing out at the government’s divide-and-rule tactics.

Before the rally, members of the Koraga community marched from Jyothi Circle to Clock Tower. During the event, Brinda Karat released a book written by journalist Naveen Soorinje, titled Koragaru Tulunadina Mathru Samudaya.

Karat spoke passionately about the plight of the Koraga community, one of the most oppressed among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). She criticized the BJP-led central government, claiming that its policies have historically divided communities along caste lines, echoing the divisive tactics of British colonial rule.

She stated, “The government says ‘divide, divide, divide’, but we say ‘unite, unite, unite’. We must stand united to fight the toxic caste system—this unity is our weapon, and no one can take it away from us.”

Karat also highlighted the upcoming 75th anniversary of the enforcement of the Constitution, contrasting the celebrations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders with what she described as an insult to Dr B R Ambedkar by union minister Amit Shah in a parliamentary session. “Dr Ambedkar will always be in our hearts,” Karat emphasized.

She pointed out that the Koraga community in Karnataka, which currently numbers around 16,000, could see a further decline to 12,000 in the coming years due to low birth rates. She condemned the practice of ajalu, a degrading tradition promoted by the BJP and RSS as part of culture, and demanded compensation for the historical injustice of untouchability faced by the Koraga community.

Karat also praised the Kerala government for its efforts to support the Koraga community, specifically through ‘Operation Smile’, which identified 59 colonies and 15 villages in Kasargod and Manjeshwar. The government has provided special education packages, opened community kitchens, and distributed 193.5 hectares of land to the Koraga community.

“We do not need charity from the government,” she declared. “We demand the implementation of pro-tribal laws and the dignity that is our right. While others worship our god, Koragajja, they feed us with dirty food and treat us like animals. They hang our god’s pictures on their walls, but we do not even have walls to call our own.”

Karat criticized both the BJP and Congress, noting that while Congress won the elections over the BJP, they have failed to make any announcements or commitments for the Koraga community. She pointed out the internal conflicts between chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, saying, “They are wasting their energy fighting for power while we, the Koraga community, are fighting for our rights.”

Karat concluded by stressing the importance of monitoring the upcoming state budget to see if any provisions are made for the Koraga community. She reaffirmed the demand for recognition as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and pledged to continue the fight for justice and equality.