Udaipur:Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's strategic visit toMangarhonWorldTribalDay held significant political implications, particularly in tribald o m i n a te d s ta te s l i k e Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. With upcoming a s s e m b l y e l e c ti o n s i n Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, as well as an eye on the next year's Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi aimed to establish a strong connection with tribal voters.Addressing arally inMangarh,Gandhitactically engaged with the tribal electorate, traditionally consideredCongress supporters. The move underscored the party's recognition of the pivotal role tribal votes play in these states. Gandhi drew uponMangarh'shistoricalresonance–a1913massacresite of tribals by British police – to evokeemotionaltiesanddraw parallels to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Central to his speech was theassertionoftribalrightsand development. He vehemently criticized the BJP's categori z a ti o n o f tri b a l s a s "Kovanvasi," portraying it a s d e r o g a to r y. Emphasizing inclusivity a n d e m p owe r m e n t, Gandhienvisionedafuture where tribal communities thrive across various professions. Gandhi spotlighted state-specific achievements,praisingRajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's initiatives and schemesbenefitingtribes. His visitunderscoredthecompetitive pursuit of tribal votes, with theBJPalso vying forthis constituency.TheBJP,demonstrating similar intent, had PrimeMinisterNarendraModi visit Mangarh, appointing tribal leader Draupadi Murmu as its President.While internal dynamics within the Congress were evident, the larger political agenda overshadowed tensions between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. The visit strategicall y a i m e d to fo rti f y Congress's footholdintribal-stronghold areas, amid fierce competition with the BJP for this crucial voter base. The political landscape in these regions is poised for intensified rivalry in the approaching months.