I feel disappointed that Chandrashekar (Ravan) Azad has announced his intention to context in the coming elections. As one of the founders of Bhim Army, I saw him as a real leader of social movement, a real hope for justice for the Dalits and national minorities. I expected him and his Bhim Army to be the force for social good. That is to say, to be constantly vigilant against injustice, in all spheres of life and in all corners of India – jungle, village, towns and cities – at all levels of civilisation. Such, selfless organisation requires selfless leadership capable of mobilising selfless cadres.
Chandrashekar’s announced engagement with the mainstream politics, on 15th March 2019, at the ‘Hunkar’ rally, in Delhi, has brought into question his previously held convictions of ‘no participation’ in mainstream politics. He has negated the failings, of the electoral system, of past 70 odd years, since ‘independence’. By entering the election, he is endorsing the system which has miserably failed the Bahujan people in India. He has embarked on the road of giving credence to the corrupt electoral system which has delivered virtually nothing to the people he claims to represent. He declared his intention to contest in the constituency of Varnas, the seat currently held by the PM Narinder Modi. He may well win the seat in this assembly, but to what effect? The RSS-Hindutva people occupy top posts in all government administration, police, judiciary, universities, industries, etc. Can a few sincere MLAs like Jignesh and hopefuls like Chandrashekar, Kanhaiya, etc. make any difference? I don’t believe they can. There is a need for new thinking. Bhim Army should expend their energies in organising Bahujans on the ground and build a powerful social force that can address the issues of real importance and directly challenge the government administration and hold them to account for its failings.
Remember RSS did NOT gain power through Parliament. They will NOT lose their power through Parliament – if BJP loses the coming elections. RSS gained power through ORGANISED grass-root cadres which is capable of spreading its influence in every corner of Government Administration. Surely there is a lesson to be learnt here – ORGANISE!
Lekh Pall – Democratic Rights Activist
