Bhopal: Former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh showcased the film Jungle Satyagraha to leaders and members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The event, aimed at highlighting the tribal resistance during India’s freedom struggle, saw participation from several Congress MLAs and leaders. However, not a single BJP leader attended, despite being invited.
Cong stalwarts present
The screening attracted prominent Congress figures, including State President Jeetu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, and Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare. Speaking on the occasion, Digvijaya Singh emphasized the film’s significance, saying, “Jungle Satyagraha showcases the immense contribution of Scheduled Castes and Tribes to India’s independence. This is not a Congress film but a tribute to the sacrifices of the tribal community.”
Digvijaya Singh invited BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, to the event. However, none of them attended.
Responding to this absence, Singh remarked, “If the BJP had invited me to watch their films, such as The Sabarmati or Kerala Express, I would have gladly participated.” He added that the Congress has demanded the government make Jungle Satyagraha tax-free to promote its important message.
Historical context film
The film sheds light on the 1930 Jungle Satyagraha, a significant but lesser-known movement against the British-imposed Indian Forest Act of 1927. The act severely restricted tribal communities from accessing forest resources, such as dry wood and forest wealth, disrupting their traditional way of life. In response, tribals from regions like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh launched protests to reclaim their rights.
The Jungle Satyagraha in Madhya Pradesh originated in the Ghoradogri area of Betul and later spread to Banjari, Chhindwara, Orchha, Ghunghati, and Harda. It featured valiant leaders like Sardar Ganjan Singh Korku, Sardar Vishnu Singh Gond, Thakur Mohkam Singh, Ramji Korku, and Jugru Gond, who resisted British oppression.
The BJP questioned Digvijaya Singh’s decision to showcase the film, pointing out that Singh had not attended their screenings of The Sabarmati or Kerala Express. Responding to the criticism, Singh reiterated that he had not been invited to those events and would have participated if he were. He asserted that the significance of Jungle Satyagraha lies beyond party politics, focusing on the sacrifices made by tribal communities.
