There is a growing interest among the educated and others over this Alliance, its aims and objectives. Before this let us take stock of the situation in India Is there a possibility of change however remote in a society like ours ? The chances are so remote that a great German philosopher, Scheler, says; “that the spirit of rebellion finds few means of expression in societies where Inequalities are very great like the Hindu caste system.
The politics whether at the panchayat or at the national level is based on the combinations of castes. Election results reveal that the results are caste-oriented and nothing else. Since no caste on its own is in a position to dictate terms it is bound to come to terms with other castes to give semblance of a democratic setup. The “independence” has only added another dimension to the setup. It has added economic dimension to the existing caste structure there by sharpening the caste- class contours. In this setup naturally the losers will be and are such groups who are numerically and economically at the receiving end. It becomes imperative, nay indispensable, for such groups to coordinate, reoriente and reshape their thoughts and actions to be in a bargaining position within the dominant group in a pseudo-democratic setup like ours.
It is also apparent by now that the dominant caste-class setup is not inclined to concede in favour of any other “sections of India any benefits accruing them as equal citizens of India. The usurpation of both political and economic power is total and complete! They are as well ready to utilise all powers at their disposal including that of the State to block the way to an honourable position in the polity of India. Precisely for this reason they are subjected to all sorts of harassment and blackmail. Their pitiable state may be imagined when at a time they were subjected to slaughter in Assam and other places their representatives at the national level were snubbed and could not obtain an interview to represent to the Govt. When they asked for a medical college hell is let loose upon them. How can their aspiring boys come up when the educational results too are caste oriented !
With this background it becomes the duty of the oppressed and presecuted sections of the society to take stock of the situation before every thing is lost forever. The dominant classes have fortified their position to the extent that they are not ready to concede even marginal benefits to more than 50% of the population. This is the result of continued alienation of these, weaker sections and lack of rapport among them. One of the reasons for this is the direct result of the methodology of the Ruling Class.
The two bigger groups of have nots are the Dalits, who constitute about 30% of the population, and Muslims about 15%, and other minorities, and the biggest chunk the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Although great revolutionaries like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in the socio-political realm, and Periyar in metaphysical realm have brought about a perceptible awakening, with their disappearance from the scene their movements have been bogged down. Some of the social thinkers such as the late Shyam Sunder and others came to the conclusion that by bringing about a closer understanding among the have nots, and to start with Dalits and Muslims, may give a new direction in bringing about a socio-economic change in this country and also it may lead to a position of bargaining which may result in the establishment of ai equitable society. It may also be a first step towards social, cultural, educational and economic integration.
Such an Alliance, which we are visualising, is not directed against any section of the society but will be a force for establishing a society bereft of exploitation
A 35-page booklet on the need for such an Alliance of the persecuted is under preparation. Those interested may write to the Convener: No. 8, upstairs, Williams Town, Bangalore-560 005.
