Rahul Gandhi meets leaders to reconnect with tribal people

New Delhi: In a bid to rejuvenate party’s connection with tribal people, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met party's tribal leaders including Odisha’s Hemananda Biswal, Pradeep Majhi, Bhakta Das and Bhujabal Majhi among others from different parts of the country.

He discussed challenges the tribal people face and their perception about the party and plans to protect their interests.

Gandhi also sought inputs from the leaders as to how to improve the party's Scheduled Castes and Tribes department.

"Very useful meeting with tribal leaders of Congress. Discussed issues of tribal welfare and ways to protect the interests of tribal communities," tweeted Gandhi from his official Twitter account.

“The tribal people were the backbone of the Congress party. Discussion was held over the reason why they are distancing themselves from the party. Rahul has already prepared a blueprint to rejuvenate relationship with them. It will be declared soon,” said Pradeep Majhi, former Congress MP and a tribal leader.

During the meeting, the leaders chalked out a plan for tribal welfare. The party would also take up their issues in the upcoming session of Parliament.