*YS Jagan’s rule brought real empowerment to Tribals, say leaders at Sant Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti*

Tadepalli, Feb 15: Tribal leaders asserted that meaningful economic and political empowerment for tribal communities took place during the tenure of former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and expressed confidence that further progress would be possible if he returns to office. Speaking at the 287th birth anniversary celebrations of Sant Sri Sevalal Maharaj held at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli under the party’s tribal wing, leaders paid floral tributes to Sant Sevalal Maharaj and recalled his role in securing distinct recognition and dignity for Banjara and nomadic communities. They noted that during his padayatra, YS Jagan was urged to convert tandas with a population of 500 into gram panchayats, and after coming to power he fulfilled this promise by creating 250 tanda panchayats. They thanked him for standing by tribals socially and economically over five years, and urged that tribal communities unite to bring him back as Chief Minister.

They highlighted that YS Jagan provided political opportunities to Lambadas in temple boards such as Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam, appointed a woman as an ST Commission member and as an advisor in SVBC channel, and distributed land rights extensively , stating that 3 lakh acres were assigned to 1.53 lakh families under ROFR and DKT pattas covering tens of thousands of acres were given to about 25,000 families. They stated that the present coalition government has neglected tribals, failed to deliver justice in cases like Sugali Preeti despite election promises of a CBI probe, and ignored her family after coming to power, contrasting this with support extended during YS Jagan’s tenure in the form of a job, financial aid, house site and land. They also expressed anger over instances of harassment of tribal representatives and obstruction of tribal local leaders in some constituencies. According to the them, tribal communities received benefits worth about Rs. 19,471 crore through DBT and non-DBT schemes under YS Jagan’s government. Concluding that tribal welfare requires his leadership again, they resolved to support his return to power. Several tribal and party leaders were present at the event.

In a separate message marking the occasion, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy paid tributes to Sant Sri Sevalal Maharaj, describing him as a noble figure who dedicated his life to the welfare of the Banjara community and upheld social service as the highest duty, saying his ideals remain an inspiration for future generations.