The Demand for a Separate Bhil State in India: Understanding the Tribal Movement

The idea of creating a separate Bhil state in India is gaining momentum, particularly in the tribal areas of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. This movement is driven by the Bhil community's desire for self-governance and the preservation of their cultural heritage and natural resources.

Origins of the Movement

Starting in 2017, the tribal community formed the Tribal Party of India to advocate for their rights. This initiative has achieved significant representation, with the party winning two seats each in Gujarat and Rajasthan Legislative Assemblies. The movement's leader, Chhotubhai Vasava from Gujarat, has been a vocal advocate for the Bhil people and the creation of a separate state.

Demographic Data and Growth

According to the demographic data from the census of India, the tribal population has seen substantial growth. In 1961, it was estimated to be 3 crore, increasing to 10.42 crore in 2011—a decadal growth rate of 23.7 percent. Madhya Pradesh has the highest percentage of tribal population at 14.7%, followed by Maharashtra at 10% and Odisha at 9.2%.

It is noteworthy that tribes account for approximately 8.6% of India's total population and 11.3% of the rural population, highlighting the significance of this movement.

The Demands and Possible Areas

The Bhil people demand the creation of a separate state, which would likely be formed by merging certain districts from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Some of the proposed districts include Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh in southern Rajasthan, Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, and Petlawad in Madhya Pradesh. In Gujarat, the proposed districts would include Panchmahal, Godhra, Dahod, and Dang, while in Maharashtra, the northern districts of Nashik and Dhule are considered.

Support from Political Parties

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown support for the creation of a Bhil state. However, the question remains: will this demand be met? Given the momentum behind the Tribal Party of India and the support from a national party like BJP, there is a possibility that the movement will gain traction in India's politics.

As the movement gains more attention, it is crucial to understand the demands of the Bhil community and how they align with the broader political landscape of India. Only time will tell whether the demand for a separate Bhil state will ultimately be fulfilled.