06-09-2008, 06:22 PM
I have observed dalit politics closely at the student level . One thing that I have noticed is that, Dalits no longer want "behalfism". they want to stand on their feet and back leaders from their own denomination.
This of course a positive development and shows a move towards maturity in the dalit political milieu. sooner than later accountability politics will begin, as the cadre would no longer be able to blame a behalfist for failing the social agenda.
of course this is an intermediate stage and once people start becoming confident about their identity the gradual re-induction of leaders from other castes will begin. In fact this is actually happening , albeit in a very small way, in some parts of the country.
This of course a positive development and shows a move towards maturity in the dalit political milieu. sooner than later accountability politics will begin, as the cadre would no longer be able to blame a behalfist for failing the social agenda.
of course this is an intermediate stage and once people start becoming confident about their identity the gradual re-induction of leaders from other castes will begin. In fact this is actually happening , albeit in a very small way, in some parts of the country.