Chhattisgarh’s Adivasi Empowerment Law: A Double-Edged Sword for Christians

In October 2025, Devlal Watti, the young sarpanch of Dompadar village in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, faced significant backlash after updating his WhatsApp status to reflect a quote from Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. This article enshrines the right of all individuals to freely practice and propagate any religion. Watti, a follower of the Koya Punem faith, an indigenous belief system of the Gond Adivasis, made this change in response to escalating tensions against the Christian community in his area.

Watti expressed his concerns over the increasing scrutiny and criticism faced by converted Christians in his locality, stating, “I had been observing for a while that Christians were being criticised for conversions. But the fact is, all religions and sects that have entered Bastar have left an impact on our indigenous faith.” His sentiments reflect a broader context of religious dynamics in the region, where the Adivasi communities have predominantly adhered to their ancestral religions for centuries while also encountering influences from Hindu sects and Christianity.

Bastar, known as the ancestral homeland for many Adivasi groups in Central India, has been a melting pot of religious beliefs for generations. The region has seen the arrival of Christianity since the 19th century, which, while offering spiritual alternatives, has also triggered anxieties among Hindu nationalists. The establishment of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Jashpur by the Sangh Parivar in 1952 aimed to counter the influence of Christian missions in the region, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding religious conversions and the preservation of indigenous beliefs.

Watti’s experience is emblematic of the precarious balance between empowering Adivasi rights and the underlying tensions that can arise from religious affiliations. As political narratives surrounding Adivasi empowerment continue to evolve, it is crucial to consider the implications of such laws on inter-community relations. While the intent behind these laws is to uplift marginalized groups, the resultant polarization can inadvertently target vulnerable populations, such as Christians among the Adivasis.

The ongoing debates surrounding religion, identity, and empowerment in Chhattisgarh underscore the complexities within the cultural landscape of India. As various communities navigate their identities in a rapidly changing socio-political environment, it is essential for policymakers to tread carefully, ensuring that the goal of empowerment does not translate into the marginalization of any group.

Source: scroll.in