Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Sunday, 9 August reiterated his party's demand for the inclusion of 169 tribal communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, vowing that efforts to secure their formal recognition would continue. He was speaking at a BJD-organised event in Bhubaneswar to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Key Developments

Patnaik described the BJD as the 'best friend' of tribal communities, recounting a range of welfare measures implemented during his tenure as Chief Minister. These included granting Panchayats the right to collect forest produce, establishing thousands of hostels for tribal students, launching the Anwesha programme for higher education access, and ensuring forest land rights for tribal families.

He also highlighted the Special Development Councils (SDCs) set up across 23 districts, calling them a unique initiative to protect tribal art, culture, and sacred sites. 'Special Development Councils in 23 districts have made tribals equal partners in development. They became stewards in preserving their own sacred sites, arts, crafts, music and traditions while improving their livelihood,' Patnaik said.

The ST Inclusion Demand

Central to Patnaik's address was the longstanding demand for ST status for 169 tribal communities in Odisha. He noted that a formal proposal was submitted to the Centre during the BJD government's tenure, but the inclusion has not yet been effected. The BJD chief announced that the party would press ahead with efforts to achieve this recognition, framing it as a matter of rights and dignity rather than political expediency.

This comes amid heightened national attention to tribal rights, with 9 August observed globally as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples — a date that amplifies advocacy for indigenous communities across India and beyond.

BJD's Tribal Development Record

Patnaik argued that the empowerment of tribal communities had been the central focus of BJD governance across multiple terms in Odisha. He cited linkages between tribal communities and the broader development process through targeted livelihood programmes, higher education access, and cultural preservation initiatives.

The BJD, now in opposition following its defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, is seeking to reaffirm its identity as the primary political champion of tribal welfare in the state — a constituency that proved decisive in past electoral cycles.

What Comes Next

With the demand now formally reiterated from a public platform, the BJD is expected to pursue the ST inclusion proposal through parliamentary and legislative channels. Whether the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre responds to the demand will be closely watched, particularly ahead of future electoral cycles in Odisha.