The Muslim – Dalit Alliance

Dalits. Muslims & Christians since ‘Independence’ have remained & continue to be the biggest ‘vote bank for India’s Ruling Class. Although they continue to be exploited they have never given thought to the latent power that they possess & which if exploited properly and used may well prove to be the biggest single contribution towards new equation of class structure and thereby a death knell to the well-entrenched exploiting classes. Although great dalit leaders in the South like the late Shyam Sundar have experimented and demonstrated the viability of such an alliance between these persecuted communities this idea is being nurtured in the South in spite of the intrigues of the capitalist-kulak gang-up to sow seeds of misunderstanding among them. But unfortunately in the Hindi heartland such movements are yet to take shape. Lack of such movements may be one of the reason for some of the stray incidents. The Muslim-Dalit Alliance is the only non-political organisation of its kind in the country which aims at bringing together these two biggest and powerful communities thereby ushering in a revolutionary class structure which if materialise may prove a death-knell to the exploiting classes. The Heritage: It is now an established fact of history that the dalits had once a glorious and flourishing culture which was usurped by the invading Aryans and the dalits continue to resist this usurpation passively and this has resulted in the deprivation of their economic & social status for centuries. Muslims after their long presence at the pinnacle of political power degenerated and finally the British wrested the power and with deep-rooted, fear and suspicion isolated and exterminated thousands and isolated them from education, industry and political power for over half a century and thereby a new class of exploiters who extended their support to the Britishers while entrenching their hold on this land were patronised. Muslims were quick to realise their degraded status and with a massive social reformation overtook their adversaries but unfortunately the turmoil of the parties again has placed them in an unfortunate position vis-a-vis the exploiting classes. Hence these two communities which constitute among themselves a class of have- nots’ have every thing to gain if only they forge an alliance. Sensing this possibility the exploiting classes have stoked the fires of misunderstanding among these two communities who for centuries have lived together amicably. How this can be brought about? It is not necessary to have a centralised and elaborate organisation. The setup should be consolidated State- wise. To start with at the locality-level cultural exchange and providing educational facilities in the educational Institutions and orphanages for their mutual economic well being. It is now up to you friends to take up this challenging task & forge the alliance which if materialises may well change the fortunes of these two persecuted but equally feared communities. Those interested may write to its convener, M. A. Delvi, on No. 8. Williams Town, Bangalore-560 046, India.