Tribal leaders claimed that significant economic and political benefits were extended to tribal communities during former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure and hoped for further development if he returned to power.
These remarks were made at the 287th birth anniversary celebrations of Sevalal Maharaj held at the YSRCP headquarters in Tadepalli on Sunday under the leadership of the state tribal wing of the party.
Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Sant Sevalal Maharaj, revered for ensuring a distinct identity and recognition of the nomadic Banjar communities.
Speaking on the occasion, tribal leaders said that during Mr. Jagan’s tenure, the tribal communities received both economic support and social support.
They recalled that during his padayatra, a representation was made seeking the conversion of ‘thandas’ with a population of 500 into Gram Panchayats. Soon after assuming office, he fulfilled the promise by establishing 250 Thanda Panchayats, they said.
The leaders demanded greater political representation for the tribes living in the plains, noting that the reservation was largely confined to the Agency regions. They insisted that communities like Erukula, Yanadi, Lambadi and Chenchu should get justice if Mr. Jagan returns to power.
They also highlighted the appointment of Lambadi representatives to temple boards, including those of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam, and the inclusion of an indigenous woman as a member of the ST Commission and SVBC channel advisor.
They said that during Mr. Jagan’s tenure, 1.53 lakh tribal families received ROFR patties covering nearly three million acres, while 25,000 families were given DKT patties covering around 38,717 acres. They claimed that tribal communities have benefited to the tune of ₹ 19,471 crore through DBT and non-DBT schemes.
The leaders criticized the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and alleged that the tribal’s welfare had been neglected in the last two years. They accused the government of failing to deliver justice in the Sugali Preeti case despite promising a CBI probe during the elections.
Several party leaders including former State TRICOR Chairman Gunda Surendra, YSRCP Grievance Cell President Narayan Murthy and other tribal representatives attended the event.
Published – 15 Feb 2026 20:08 IST