Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) marked World Tribal Day—officially the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples— at their respective party headquarters here Saturday. At Shankha Bhavan, senior BJD leaders—including Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Ashok Panda, Sudam Marndi, Snehangini Chhuria, and others—attended the celebratory event. The leaders paid floral tributes to photos of Birsa Munda and other tribal icons.
The programme also featured traditional tribal dance and music performed by tribal artists. Following the celebration, the BJD held a press conference to highlight several issues faced by tribal communities. Addressing the media, the BJD alleged that despite having a tribal Chief Minister, the government has cut the Tribal Welfare budget, reduced student stipends, and failed to fulfill promises of socio-economic upliftment. Sudam Marndi criticised the government for not issuing a message on the occasion and for ignoring the rising crimes against tribal women and girls, including incidents in government hostels.
Similarly, the Congress celebrated the day at Congress Bhawan with tribal dance and music performed by tribal artists. The event was attended by OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das, former Union Minister Srikant Jena, State Congress Tribal Chairperson Yashbant Narayan Singh Laguri, and other tribal leaders.
