Bharat Bandh, as a political tool, had been of limited success in the recent years, partly owing to the court interventions, and partly because of lack of mobilisation by the political parties and sundry groups. However, as dalit groups carried out marches and staged protests across the country on Monday, which turned violent at several places, they managed to send out a strong message.
The BJP-NDA government hurried to file a review petition in the Supreme Court, challenging its order on the SC ST Act which has sparked the current wave of protests by the dalits across the country. As a number of elections are lined up this year, and Lok Sabha next year, all political parties want to be seen being on the side of the dalits.
The anger among the dalits has been simmering for the past a few years as the number of atrocities against them— some in the name of cow protection, or assertion by the upper castes—have been on the increase. The destruction of statues of B.R. Ambedkar had further fueled the discontent. By collectively responding to the bandh call, they have showed their strength.
As news of protests trickled in from across the states, the seven people were reported killed in the violent protests. Dalits protesters blocked trains, and even set fire to vehicles in some places.
A curfew was imposed in Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh. The Army was also put on standby in Punjab even as internet services were curbed as a precautionary measure. “Madhya Pradesh, UP and Punjab have so far requested for Central Forces. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CAPFs have been made available. The ministry has asked the states to take all preventive measures and maintain public order and ensure the safety of lives of people and property,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said.
BSP chief Mayawati warned the Centre for trying to act against the interests of the dalits. She blamed the violence on the anti-social elements who could have deliberately became part of the protests.
Political parties sparred among themselves over the dalit rights. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi questioned “DNA of BJP and RSS” for discrimination against the dalits.
Minister of State Arjun Meghwal hit back saying, “Deeply condemnable and shocking comment by Congress president Rahul Gandhi...It is well known that PM Modi belong to the lower section of society, and this is something Rahul Gandhi cannot digest.”
Cabinet minister Ram Vilas Paswan also reacted, “One can understand if people protest, but why is the opposition playing politics? Parties like Congress did not give Bharat Ratna to B.R. Ambedkar, and are now acting like his followers."
As the protests spread, some of the political attacks was also directed against the RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP. The RSS was quick to issue a statement, saying an attempt was being made to spread falsehood against the Sangh. “RSS has no link to this decision of the Supreme Court. We are against any discrimination based on caste. The laws made to protect such atrocities should be strictly implemented. The decision taken by the Centre to file a review petition is a valid step,” Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS general secretary, said in a statement
The unease was even visible among the ruling party as dalit MPs belonging to BJP also have expressed their reservations on the apex court ruling.
The show of strength by the dalits is now likely to prompt political parties to talk about dalit rights. Mayawati is likely to gain strength as she revealed realpolitik to ally with arch rival SP to help defeat BJP in two seats of Phulpur and Gorakhpur.
The churn in dalit politics is only likely to grow stronger in the coming days.