Why the legacy of the Phules still scares the powerful
In this exclusive interview, renowned political theorist and Dalit rights activist Kancha Ilaiah breaks down the real history of the Phules, their fearless fight for equality, and the uncomfortable truths the system still struggles to accept.
From caste struggles and social reform to the modern politics of memory — this conversation uncovers why the Phules' story remains one of India's most revolutionary and suppressed histories.
Watch the full interview to understand why their message matters now more than ever.
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Economic Times
13 hours ago
- Economic Times
Siddaramaiah on back foot after losing two ST ministers in 2 years
Synopsis The Congress government in Karnataka faces backlash after dismissing Valmiki community minister KN Rajanna for criticizing "vote theft," a move directed by AICC leadership. This decision, following B Nagendra's earlier resignation due to fund diversion allegations, has shocked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and risks alienating the crucial Ahinda voting bloc, while the BJP attempts to capitalize on the community's discontent. Agencies Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka has gone into a defensive mode, refraining from reacting much to the constant barbs hurled at it by the Opposition BJP over the firing of Valmiki community (ST) minister KN Rajanna. Chief minister Siddaramaiah removed Rajanna from the ministry on directions from AICC leadership, displeased over his critical comments on "vote theft". His removal from the state cabinet comes a year after another Valmiki minister, B Nagendra, resigned after allegations of diversion of funds meant for the welfare of ST members surfaced. Rajanna's ouster has been a shocker for Siddaramaiah as the MLA from Tumakuru district has been a loyal follower, known for his blunt talk. His exit comes at a time when the CM had been trying to bring back Nagendra into the Cabinet. Siddaramaiah, who belongs to the backward class Kuruba community, has cemented his position as a tall leader of the Ahinda (acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalit) voters. But now, the community could doubt his ability to protect its political way Rajanna was removed will exact its own political price, said an ST leader. BJP too has been trying to foment anger in the numerically strong community by supporting Rajanna's remarks and projecting him as a victim. "Congress government is always ready to betray the Valmiki community," the BJP said in a post on X.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Siddaramaiah on back foot after losing two ST ministers in 2 years
Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka has gone into a defensive mode, refraining from reacting much to the constant barbs hurled at it by the Opposition BJP over the firing of Valmiki community (ST) minister KN Rajanna. Chief minister Siddaramaiah removed Rajanna from the ministry on directions from AICC leadership, displeased over his critical comments on "vote theft". His removal from the state cabinet comes a year after another Valmiki minister, B Nagendra, resigned after allegations of diversion of funds meant for the welfare of ST members surfaced. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Rajanna's ouster has been a shocker for Siddaramaiah as the MLA from Tumakuru district has been a loyal follower, known for his blunt talk. His exit comes at a time when the CM had been trying to bring back Nagendra into the Cabinet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo Siddaramaiah, who belongs to the backward class Kuruba community, has cemented his position as a tall leader of the Ahinda (acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalit) voters. But now, the community could doubt his ability to protect its political interests. The way Rajanna was removed will exact its own political price, said an ST leader. BJP too has been trying to foment anger in the numerically strong community by supporting Rajanna's remarks and projecting him as a victim. "Congress government is always ready to betray the Valmiki community," the BJP said in a post on X. Live Events
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Champion of Dalits, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on backfoot after losing two ST ministers in two years
The ruling Congress has gone into a defensive mode not reacting much to the constant barbs hurled at it by the Opposition BJP over the firing of Valmiki community (ST) minister KN Rajanna. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah removed Rajanna from the ministry on directions from the AICC leadership, displeased over his critical comments on 'votes theft.' His removal from the Cabinet comes a year after another Valmiki minister B Nagendra resigned after allegations of diversion of funds meant for the welfare of ST members surfaced. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Rajanna's ouster has been a shocker for Siddaramaiah as the MLA from Tumakuru district has been a loyal follower, known for his blunt talk. His exit comes at a time the chief minister had been trying hard to bring back Nagendra into the Cabinet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo The Cabinet is down by two ST ministers, a message that is unlikely to go down well with the community. Siddaramaiah, a leader from the backward class Kuruba community, has cemented his position as a tall leader of the Ahinda (acronym of minorities, backward classes and Dalit) voters. He would not allow anything that would dent this image. The community will now doubt his ability to protect its political interests . The way Rajanna was removed will exact its own political price, said an ST leader, pointing out that the Valmiki members have organized themselves well in the past ten years. The BJP too has been trying to foment anger in the numerically strong community by talking in praise of Rajanna's remarks and projecting him as a victim. 'The Congress government is always ready to betray the Valmiki community,' the BJP posted on X, in a clear attempt to alienate the Valmiki community from the Congress. Live Events The ST subgroup makes up about 14% of the state's population, an ST community researcher estimated, not willing to be identified. The BJP consistently promoted B Sriramulu only because the party knows the political importance of the community, he said. Valmiki members are spread across half of Karnataka and can make or spoil the chances of candidates in several constituencies, he said. The removal of an ST minister comes at a time when the community has been trying to assert itself politically, with the hopes of community member emerging as the CM soon.
