Banking on Judeo, RSS attempts to pave way for BJP in Chhattisgarh

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unveils a statue of Judeo a day before the festival for tribal god Birsa Munda

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday unveiled the statue of former Union Minister Dilip Singh Judeo, the face behind ‘Ghar-Wapasi’ of tribal people in Chhattisgarh, a day before ‘Janjatia Gaurav Diwas’ that celebrates the birth of tribal god, Birsa Munda. This is Bhagwat’s second visit to the State in three months as the RSS is banking on Judeo’s legacy to woo tribal population in the region that is set to go to the polls next year.

While speaking to the audience in Jashpur, also known as Karmabhoomi of Judeo, Mr. Bhagwat said that it feels like coming home as he is visiting a tribal area.

“I live in Nagpur but I hail from a tribal area, Chandrapur. Those days, there was no difference between villagers and vanvasi. So whenever I come to you guys, I feel like coming home,” Mr Bhagwat. He further said that India got all its religions from tribal people and farmers.

Lauding Dilip Singh Judeo, Mr. Bhagwat said that both Judeo and Birsa Munda had immense love for India and that their love has shown a way to Indians.

“Judeo was fearless, courageous and extraordinarily humble in nature even when he had great education, money and power. Serving tribals was a pious thing for him,” he said. He also added that tribal people were soft, kind and humble but they should not allow anyone to take advantage of them.

“We don’t have to think who is big or small. We don’t have to think who has what and what not. We must walk together, with full courage, for our own country, our religion, our culture, our society and for our self-esteem. We will rise together,” said Mr. Bhagwat, while unveiling the 12-feet tall statue of DIlip Singh Judeo. The statue has been given shape by Ram V. Sutar, who is also the sculptor of the Statue of Unity.