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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Dynasty and division: The crisis in Dalit politics in Maharashtra
Written by Upendra Sonpimple Dalit politics in Maharashtra is undergoing a crisis of identity and leadership, marked by internal divisions and dynastic claims. At the centre of this conflict are two grandsons of B R Ambedkar — Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), and Anandraj Ambedkar, head of the Republican Sena. Both claim to be the true torchbearers of Ambedkar's ideology, yet their rivalry and political strategies raise critical questions about the future of Dalit leadership. The situation intensified when Rajratan Ambedkar's faction of the Republican Party of India (RPI) allied with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for the upcoming local elections. This alliance, framed as a union of 'Shiv Shakti and Bhim Shakti', was seen by many as a betrayal of Ambedkarite principles. Ambedkar had openly opposed Hindu right-wing organisations like the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha, making such partnerships ideologically contradictory. This political manoeuvring reveals a deeper issue: The increasing reliance on hereditary legitimacy in Dalit politics. Both Prakash and Rajratan Ambedkar have used their surname to claim moral and political authority, particularly among Neo-Buddhists and Mahar communities. This approach contradicts Ambedkar's own rejection of dynastic rule. As he once stated, 'What is more important, the right of the prince or the welfare of the people?… Even the best friends of the States will not say that the welfare of the people should be sacrificed for the sake of maintaining the rights of the prince.' Ambedkar's vision was rooted in democratic and rational leadership, not bloodline. He did not appoint his own son, Yashwant, as his political successor. Instead, he left the leadership of the Scheduled Castes Federation open to capable followers, regardless of lineage. Yet today, Dalit politics in Maharashtra often promotes the idea that only Ambedkar's descendants can lead, sidelining emerging voices from non-Ambedkar descendants. The VBA, for instance, has campaigned on the notion of 'pure Dalit leadership', implying that non-Ambedkar descendants are self-serving or corrupt. This rhetoric not only undermines democratic values but also mirrors the logic of caste, where hereditary superiority justifies power and raises urgent questions: Does dynastic politics threaten the emergence of new Dalit leadership? Is the movement shifting from ideological mobilisation to emotional loyalty? Can hereditary politics effectively challenge Brahminical dominance, or does it replicate its structure? Historically, the Dalit movement in Maharashtra drew strength from anti-caste rationalism, beginning with Mahatma Phule's Satyashodhak Movement and culminating in Ambedkar's fight against untouchability and caste oppression. Today, however, dynastic politics risks undermining this legacy. Even among Mangs, there is a search for descendants of Annabhau Sathe to lead, reinforcing hereditary rather than ideological commitment. Moreover, Ambedkar descendants/ leaders have increasingly adopted soft-Hindutva and loose secularism, visiting Hindu and Muslim religious sites to gain broader support. The VBA's past alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena exemplifies this trend, raising concerns about ideological dilution. If alliances are formed without ideological clarity, can claims of bloodline purity hold any moral ground? This shift mirrors the caste system's logic, where hereditary superiority justifies power. In politics, such logic suppresses democratic participation and stifles dissent. The master-slave dynamic — where followers are emotionally bound to dynastic leaders — creates psychological dependency, limiting the scope for revolt or alternative leadership. The Dalit movement in Maharashtra is already experiencing political demobilisation. If dynastic politics continues to dominate, it may extinguish the space for critical thinking, grassroots mobilisation, and ideological unity. Dalit leadership must become more radical and inclusive, breaking free from caste-based patronage and fostering a community that is politically active and ideologically grounded. At the national level, Mayawati's succession planning within BSP — passing leadership to her nephew — also reflects dynastic tendencies. However, in Maharashtra, the narrative of 'pure blood' creates a false consciousness, distancing Dalits from their ideological roots and weakening the movement's transformative potential. The emotional outrage surrounding hereditary leadership is anti-Dalit, anti-Ambedkarite, and anti-democratic. It suppresses the rise of new voices and creates a culture of obedience rather than critical engagement. If this trend continues, it could lead to the ideological erosion and eventual stagnation of the Dalit movement. To revive the movement, Dalit politics must return to its rational, anti-caste, and democratic foundations. Leadership should be based on commitment, capability, and ideological clarity — not lineage. Only then can the movement reclaim its transformative potential and truly honor the legacy of Ambedkar and Phule. The writer, a social justice and caste discourse scholar, is a New India Foundation fellow (2018-19) and Adam Smith fellow (2024-25)
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi rival factions clash, 8 injured
Akola: Eight people were injured in a violent clash between two rival factions of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi in Krushinagar area on Thursday evening. According to police officials, the incident occurred around 7pm when Akash Gavai, accompanied by his supporters, allegedly entered the residence of Satish Wankhade, verbally abused him, and provoked him to come outside. As Satish stepped out, he was attacked with swords and iron rods, causing deep injuries, particularly on his hand. The attack sparked retaliation from Wankhade's faction. A full-blown street brawl broke out, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, during which both groups used weapons including swords, rods, and wooden sticks. Satish was reportedly dragged 100 to 200 feet away from his house while bleeding profusely, and one of the attackers allegedly fired a gunshot into the air. Police rushed to the spot after being alerted by terrified residents. Crime branch units, dog squad, and local police teams reached the site. Two live cartridges were recovered from the vicinity, though police confirmed no injuries were caused by gunfire, and all injuries were from sharp or blunt weapons. DySP Gajanan Padghan told the media: "Preliminary investigation suggests the clash stemmed from a long-standing feud and possibly disputes over funds collection for a religious procession during Shravan month. We are scanning CCTV footage from Wankhade's house to identify all attackers." Raghunath Wankhade, father of injured Satish, stated, "My son was called down and then brutally assaulted with weapons. The attackers dragged him outside, beat him with bricks, and even fired a gunshot. Our entire family was terrified, especially the children at home." Currently, eight individuals from both groups (five from one faction and three from the other) are receiving treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Akola. Police have begun the process of registering a formal FIR at the Civil Line police station, and identification and search for the absconding attackers is underway.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Prakash Ambedkar to move court against public security Bill
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) founder and president Prakash Ambedkar will move court against the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill (MSPS), citing that the Bill is 'draconian' and will 'destroy the Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar spirit' and ideology of Maharashtra. The former MP called the Bill unconstitutional, vaguely defined, and inherently prone to misuse. Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday passed the MSPS Bill intending to prevent the 'unlawful activities of left-wing extremist organisations. However, Opposition parties opposed it citing ambiguity. Mr. Ambedkar criticised the Opposition for letting the Bill pass in the Assembly without any contention. In April, Mr. Ambedkar had written a nine-page letter to Chandrashekhar Bawankhule, chairperson, Joint Select Committee on MSPS Bill, and called for its immediate withdrawal. The letter mentioned that under the guise of addressing 'Naxalism', it will be used to silence those who voice opposition to State policies or raise valid concerns about potential wrongdoings. 'The Bill, if enacted into a law, will legitimise the criminalisation of citizens, organisations, policy and political actors, who dissent, protest, revolt and express their opposition against the policies of the government,' he posted on X.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Centre missed chance to end threat permanently: VBA chief on Op Sindoor
1 2 Nagpur: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar criticized the Centre on Sunday for what he termed a failure to act decisively after Operation Sindoor . Referring to Pahalgam attack, he said, "India has ability to dismantle its adversaries. It was a clear opportunity to resolve the longstanding security threats permanently." Ambedkar was speaking at an event organized by the Phule Ambedkar Intellectual Forum at Parvana Bhavan. Discussing the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) issue, Ambedkar said, "Even Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar lost his first election from Mumbai, and one major reason for that loss was the PoK issue. He always believed that we should either fully integrate Kashmir or let it go entirely. If neither happens, future generations will face the consequences." The VBA chief added that Babasaheb's approach was not supported by certain political factions of the time, which opposed his stance and contributed to his electoral defeat, as Babasaheb had stated then. Ambedkar further criticized the lack of international support during Operation Sindoor, noting that even neighbouring countries, typically seen as allies, did not stand with India. He said no current political party has the courage to openly address the reality. However, he emphasized that those who support Shahu-Phule- Ambedkar Ideologies are in a position to raise these critical issues and must take responsibility for doing so.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Dalit protest against Imitiaz Jaleel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar puts spotlight back on AIMIM-VBA rift in Maharashtra
Despite the heavy rain in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday, a large group of Dalit protesters, many affiliated with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) gathered at Kranti Chowk, demanding the arrest of former MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Maharashtra president Imtiaz Jaleel. The protest followed an FIR filed against Jaleel on June 14 under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, based on allegations that he used a discriminatory slur against Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat. This protest symbolises a deep and now irreparable rift between the AIMIM and the VBA, two parties that once forged a rare alliance in the 2019 elections, seeking a convergence of the VBA's core Dalit vote base and Aurangabad's sizable Muslim population that together form nearly 29 per cent of the district. This convergence helped Jaleel get elected as the city's second-ever Muslim MP and the first from the community in over four decades. However, the alliance unravelled soon after Jaleel entered Parliament. The relations between the two parties have steadily deteriorated since, culminating in open hostility with the VBA now openly working to chart Jaleel's political downfall. What was Monday's protest about? Former Aurangabad MP and AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel was booked earlier this month by the Aurangabad Police under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case stems from a recent press interaction in which Jaleel is alleged to have used a casteist term while criticising Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, whom he has repeatedly accused of corruption. While Jaleel has been targeting Shirsat for several weeks over alleged land and asset irregularities, Ambedkarite groups, particularly the VBA's leadership in Aurangabad, demanded his arrest, accusing him of making anti-Dalit remarks. Jaleel, however, has denied the allegations, calling the protest 'sponsored and politically motivated'. 'This protest was staged to shield a particular minister. It was entirely orchestrated by individuals claiming to represent the Scheduled Caste community. I have done nothing wrong. The term in question is not derogatory; it appears even in official publications printed by the Maharashtra government,' Jaleel said. What is the tiff between Jaleel and Shirsat? The rivalry between Jaleel and Shirsat has intensified ever since the latter was appointed guardian minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in January 2025. Since then, Jaleel has repeatedly accused Shirsat of land misuse and abuse of ministerial power. The first major allegation came when Jaleel claimed that Shirsat's son, Siddhant, was illegally allotted a 21,275 sq m plot in the MIDC's Shendra Industrial Area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Jaleel had alleged that the land had originally been reserved for a truck terminus but was de-notified in August 2024. Jaleel alleged foul play and demanded a probe by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Soon after, Jaleel also targeted Shirsat over the controversial auction of the VITS Hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. After the hotel's original promoters declared bankruptcy, the state government seized the property under the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act and began auction proceedings. A reserve price of Rs 64.53 crore was set, an amount that critics, including Jaleel, argued was grossly undervalued. In May 2025, a firm linked to Shirsat's son emerged as the highest bidder at Rs 67 crore. Alleging that the process was manipulated to benefit the minister's family, Jaleel and others demanded the auction be scrapped. The backlash eventually led to Shirsat's son withdrawing from the deal. To escalate pressure, Jaleel submitted documents related to Shirsat's land and business dealings to Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, and also urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order an independent investigation. In retaliation, the Shirsat camp has accused Jaleel of being a political pawn, alleging that he is being used by rivals to discredit the minister. VBA leader Afsar Khan, a former ally-turned-critic of Jaleel, has accused him of using his political influence to purchase properties, including his current residence, at artificially low prices. Khan played a key role in Jaleel's narrow defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections, which he lost by just 2,161 votes. Why have VBA leaders targeted Jaleel? The rivalry between the VBA and Jaleel stems from a personal fallout dating back to their brief but impactful alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. While AIMIM had already made inroads in Maharashtra with two Assembly seats in 2014, the VBA was formed in 2018 under Prakash Ambedkar. In 2019, an alliance between Ambedkar and Asaduddin Owaisi brought together Dalit and Muslim voters. It was an experiment that proved successful in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where Jaleel won a stunning upset over four-time Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire by a margin of just 4,492 votes. However, the partnership was fraught with friction even before the election. Ambedkar had initially announced former High Court judge B G Kolse Patil as the alliance candidate for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. But Jaleel, then a sitting MLA from Aurangabad Central, opposed the move and threatened rebellion from the AIMIM, stating that he would contest as an Independent. It was only after pressure from Jaleel that Owaisi stepped in, forcing Ambedkar to relent and allow Jaleel to contest the seat. After his victory, VBA leaders accused Jaleel of sidelining Ambedkar and failing to show due respect to the man they saw as instrumental in stitching the alliance together. The perceived snub created a deep personality rift, leading to a formal breakup between the VBA and AIMIM. Since then, Jaleel has been viewed by VBA leaders as the alliance-breaker. This animosity has continued to shape VBA's electoral strategy. The party has consistently fielded candidates against Jaleel, including in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, where Jaleel lost his Assembly bid by a narrow margin of 2,161 votes. While Ambedkar often avoids directly naming Jaleel in public, second-rung VBA leaders have openly criticised him, painting him as arrogant, disrespectful, and opportunistic. The ongoing feud between Jaleel and Shirsat has allowed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's VBA leaders to target Jaleel using the current controversy centred around caste-related allegations as a way to settle old scores with the man they believe 'betrayed their leader'.
