AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava dismisses conversion claims in Gujarat's Dediapada tribal region

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava, on Wednesday addressed concerns raised over alleged religious conversions in the tribal region, following a representation submitted by the RSS-affiliated Rashtriya Adivasi Sangh to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dediapada.

According to Vasava, the representation sought action to stop alleged religious conversions by Christians and demanded that Christmas programmes not be permitted in the area. Responding to the issue, the MLA said such organisations should first understand the historical and cultural background of the tribal community.

He stated that tribal communities are those who have lived in a region since time immemorial and described them as a pre-religious society, existing before the emergence of organised religions. Vasava said tribals traditionally practise nature worship and continue to revere deities such as Himadiya Dev and Gamaan Dev, along with natural elements including the sun, moon, rivers, mountains, trees, and forests.

Referring to developments in the 1970s and 1980s, Vasava said individuals associated with Christian missionary organisations began working in tribal areas, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and employment. He said that through these activities, several benefits were provided to the local population, and some members of the tribal community were inspired to gradually adopt Christianity.

The MLA further stated that many tribals follow religions other than Christianity, but at their core, they continue to identify as tribals. He said that as members of a constitutionally recognised community, tribals are entitled to secularism and protection from discrimination as guaranteed under the Constitution. According to him, this has resulted in tribals being spread across different religions and sects.

Addressing allegations of religious conversions in his constituency, Vasava said that during his three-year tenure as an MLA, he has not received a single complaint from any area regarding forced or induced religious conversion. He added that he has not come across any instance where conversion occurred due to greed, temptation, or coercion.

Vasava also referred to leaders from other political parties who follow Christianity. He said BJP leaders Riteshbhai Vasava from Jhagadia and Mohanbhai Kokdi from the Vyara constituency continue to practise Christianity and have been elected as MLAs from reserved tribal seats. He stated that if the objective of raising the issue is to question benefits meant for tribals, then, in his view, the matter should begin with such leaders as well.

The issue has brought renewed focus on religious practices, constitutional rights, and tribal identity in the region, amid ongoing political and social discussions.