(SR Darapuri, National President, All India Peoples Front)
(Asian independent) The attitude of Hindutva forces towards Dalits, including Ambedkarites, is complex and multifaceted, shaped by ideological goals, political strategies, and historical tensions. Hindutva, as an ideology promoted by organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political affiliate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to unify Hindus under a singular cultural and national identity. This vision often clashes with the Dalit and Ambedkarite emphasis on caste-based equality and rejection of Brahmanical hierarchy, leading to a relationship marked by both co-optation and conflict.
Hindutva forces have historically aimed to assimilate Dalits into the broader Hindu fold, viewing them as an integral part of Hindu society but often without addressing the structural inequalities of caste. This approach stems from a desire to bolster Hindu numerical strength against perceived external threats, such as religious minorities, while maintaining traditional social hierarchies. Programs like the RSS’s *Samajik Samrasta* (social harmony) campaigns, which include community meals and outreach in Dalit settlements, reflect this strategy of inclusion. However, these efforts are frequently criticized by Dalits and Ambedkarites as superficial, failing to challenge the caste system’s oppressive foundations or empower Dalits as equals.
The relationship with Ambedkarites—followers of B.R. Ambedkar, who rejected Hinduism’s caste hierarchy and converted to Buddhism—is particularly fraught. Ambedkar’s legacy poses a direct ideological challenge to Hindutva, as he saw caste as intrinsic to Hinduism and irreconcilable with equality. Hindutva forces have responded by attempting to appropriate Ambedkar as a national icon, emphasizing his contributions to the Indian Constitution while downplaying or reinterpreting his critique of Hinduism. For instance, the BJP has honoured Ambedkar through memorials and rhetoric, portraying him as a unifying figure, yet this is often seen by Ambedkarites as a dilution of his radical anti-caste stance to fit the Hindutva narrative.
Politically, Hindutva forces have sought Dalit support as a vote bank, especially since the 1990s, when the BJP expanded its base beyond upper castes. This has led to some pragmatic concessions, such as promoting Dalit leaders like Ram Nath Kovind, India’s first Dalit president under a BJP-led government, or supporting reservation policies. However, this outreach is tempered by resistance from the Hindutva core base—upper and middle castes—who often oppose Dalit assertion. Incidents like the Bhima-Koregaon violence in 2018, where Dalit commemorations were attacked allegedly by Hindutva-aligned groups, highlight this tension, suggesting hostility towards Dalit mobilization that challenges Brahmanical dominance.
Ambedkarites, in turn, largely view Hindutva with suspicion, accusing it of perpetuating caste oppression under the guise of unity. They point to policies and actions—like the dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act or violence linked to cow protection vigilantism, which disproportionately affects Dalits—as evidence of Hindutva’s disregard for Dalit rights. The rise of educated and assertive Dalits, inspired by Ambedkar’s call to “educate, agitate and organize, ,” has further intensified this friction, as they resist assimilation and demand systemic change, often clashing with Hindutva’s vision of a homogenized Hindu society.
In summary, Hindutva forces adopt a dual approach towards Dalits and Ambedkarites: strategic inclusion to expand their political and social base, coupled with resistance to any fundamental dismantling of caste hierarchies. This creates a dynamic of both accommodation and antagonism, where Dalits are courted as Hindus but constrained in their pursuit of equality, while Ambedkarites face opposition for their rejection of Hindutva’s ideological underpinnings.
Courtesy: Grok 3
S.R. Darapuri I.P.S.(Retd)
National President,
All India Peoples Front
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