Mannalal Rawat takes charge as BJP ST Morcha national chief in New Delhi
Synopsis
Mannalal Rawat, the Udaipur MP, has taken over as BJP's Scheduled Tribe Morcha national president — a role that carries significant electoral weight given the party's push to consolidate tribal votes ahead of multiple state elections. With sickle cell anaemia flagged as a health priority and a 2047 development target reaffirmed, the new leadership signals both a welfare and an organisational mobilisation agenda.
Key Takeaways
Mannalal Rawat , MP from Udaipur , was sworn in as BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha National President on 26 August in New Delhi .
Rawat pledged to ensure 100 per cent delivery of welfare scheme benefits to tribal communities.
Union Minister Jual Oram noted that the President of India, five Union Ministers , and multiple Governors and Chief Ministers belong to the tribal community.
BJP National Organiser V.
Satish identified sickle cell anaemia as a critical health challenge requiring urgent action in tribal areas.
Former president Sameer Oraon was recognised for strengthening the Morcha during his tenure.
The Morcha's guiding framework was reaffirmed as 'Development, Heritage and Service' .
Mannalal Rawat, Member of Parliament from Udaipur, formally assumed office as National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Scheduled Tribe Morcha at a swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday, 26 August. The event was held in a formal setting and attended by senior party leaders and Union ministers.
Rawat's Vision for Tribal Development
Addressing the gathering after taking charge, Rawat said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is transforming rapidly and tribal communities are moving strongly into the mainstream of development. He stressed that alongside infrastructure and welfare, special emphasis is being placed on preserving tribal heritage and culture.
Rawat said the Union government is committed to ensuring that tribal communities receive 100 per cent of the benefits from welfare schemes. He cited initiatives such as Tribal Pride Day, programmes honouring tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, and the focused development of tribal areas as part of this push. The broader goal, he added, is full participation of tribal communities in building a developed India by 2047.
What Senior Leaders Said
Minister of State Durgadas Uikey said Prime Minister Modi has been central to ensuring Central schemes reach the last person in the queue. He also congratulated former National President Sameer Oraon for strengthening the Morcha during his tenure, noting that the BJP government has prioritised housing, electricity, water, and other basic amenities in tribal areas.
Union Minister Jual Oram highlighted the significant representation of tribal communities in the Central government, pointing out that the President of India, five Union Ministers, and Governors and Chief Ministers in several states belong to the tribal community.
Organisational Priorities Outlined
BJP National Organiser V. Satish described the Scheduled Tribe Morcha as one of the party's key fronts, tasked with conveying party and government policies to the tribal community. He stressed the need to strengthen the organisation's reach at every tribal booth, particularly those with a high concentration of Scheduled Tribe voters.
Satish also flagged sickle cell anaemia as a serious health challenge facing tribal communities and called for extensive action to identify, track, and prevent the disease.
Closing Commitments
Speakers at the ceremony reiterated the party's commitment to the mantra of 'Development, Heritage and Service' as the guiding framework for tribal outreach. Former president Sameer Oraon honoured former office-bearers by presenting them with shawls. The programme was conducted by BJP Tribal Morcha General Secretary Kali Ram Manjhi.
At the close of the ceremony, Rawat expressed gratitude to the party's top leadership and pledged to fulfil the responsibility with complete loyalty, vowing to expand the Morcha's reach across the country. With a new leadership in place, the Morcha is expected to intensify its grassroots outreach ahead of upcoming state assembly elections in tribal-heavy constituencies.
Point of View
A sitting MP from Udaipur — a constituency with significant tribal population — signals that the BJP is treating the Scheduled Tribe Morcha as an electoral instrument, not just a welfare conduit. The emphasis on booth-level strengthening and sickle cell anaemia outreach suggests the party is looking to deepen its grip in tribal-heavy constituencies ahead of state polls. Yet the recurring pledge of '100 per cent scheme delivery' raises a familiar question: without independent verification mechanisms, such commitments remain difficult to audit. The Morcha's real test will be whether it can translate ceremonial momentum into measurable on-ground outcomes.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha national president?
Mannalal Rawat, Member of Parliament from Udaipur, is the new National President of the BJP's Scheduled Tribe Morcha. He was formally sworn in at a ceremony in New Delhi on 26 August.
Who was the previous BJP ST Morcha national president?
Sameer Oraon served as the previous National President of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha. He was recognised at the swearing-in ceremony for strengthening the organisation during his tenure.
What are Mannalal Rawat's key priorities as Morcha president?
Rawat has pledged to ensure 100 per cent delivery of welfare scheme benefits to tribal communities, expand the Morcha's organisational reach at the grassroots level, and work toward full tribal participation in India's development by 2047.
Why did BJP leaders highlight sickle cell anaemia at the event?
BJP National Organiser V. Satish flagged sickle cell anaemia as a serious health challenge disproportionately affecting tribal communities. He called for extensive identification, tracking, and prevention efforts, indicating it will be a priority area for the Morcha.
What is the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha?
The BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha is the party's dedicated front for engaging with tribal communities across India. It is responsible for communicating party and government policies to Scheduled Tribe voters and strengthening the BJP's organisational presence in tribal areas.
