President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders paid floral tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda at Parliament on his 151st birth anniversary. The BJP criticised Congress and Rahul Gandhi for missing the ceremony marking Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders on Sunday paid floral tributes to tribal freedom fighter and legendary leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda at the Parliament House complex on his 151st birth anniversary.
The occasion was observed across the country as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrating the contributions, courage and legacy of India’s tribal communities and their prominent historical figures.
The tribute ceremony at Parliament witnessed the participation of several senior constitutional authorities and political leaders, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also paid their respects to the tribal icon.
However, the ceremony triggered a political controversy after several Congress leaders reportedly remained absent. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the opposition party over its absence, accusing it of showing disrespect towards tribal heroes.
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari launched a sharp attack on Congress and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi through a post on social media platform X.
Bhandari alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi-Vadra family had skipped paying tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Parliament. He further accused Congress of having a negative attitude towards tribal icons.
Referring to a previous controversy involving Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the BJP spokesperson recalled her remarks about President Droupadi Murmu following the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament in 2025.
At that time, Sonia Gandhi had described the President as a “poor lady” while commenting on her physical condition after the address. The remarks subsequently attracted criticism from BJP leaders, who alleged that they were inappropriate towards the country’s first tribal woman President.
Bhandari also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the Bharat Summit 2026, organised by the Congress-led Telangana government in Hyderabad. He alleged that the Congress leader had time to attend the summit but did not participate in the Parliament ceremony honouring Birsa Munda.
The BJP spokesperson further described Congress as anti-tribal, intensifying the political exchange surrounding the birth anniversary celebrations.
Meanwhile, Birsa Munda’s 151st birth anniversary was marked by tributes and commemorative programmes recognising his historic contribution to India’s freedom struggle and tribal rights movement.
Born on November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda emerged as a prominent tribal leader who challenged British colonial rule and exploitation of indigenous communities. His leadership of the Ulgulan, or Great Tumult, became an important chapter in India’s resistance against British rule. His legacy continues to inspire generations, particularly among tribal communities.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the people of Jharkhand on the occasion of the state’s Foundation Day. He expressed confidence that the people of Jharkhand would continue contributing to the state’s development through their determination and capabilities.
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Jharkhand Statehood Day is celebrated every year on November 15, commemorating the formation of India’s 28th state in 2000 after its separation from southern Bihar under the Bihar Reorganisation Act, 2000.
The birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and Jharkhand Foundation Day together hold special significance, highlighting the state’s tribal heritage, identity and contribution to India’s history.
