Attempt to curb minorities, Dalits may further escalate tension: Lesson from 2018

Chadrashekhar Azad 'Ravan'

By Sheshu Babu*
As the New Year draws closer, there is an increase of tensions on caste and communal lines. The Naseeruddin Shah affair has not yet subsided, and another instance of repression took place in Mumbai. The dashing dalit leader Chandrasekhar Azad 'Ravan', who was invited to address a rally on December 29, wanted to use the opportunity to visit Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial in Mumbai at Chaitanya Bhoomi.
But his maiden visit was turned into a nightmare by unconstitutional detention at his hotel followed by a ride in the city in a police van! After a three hour ride, he along with some north Indian colleagues was deposited at Malad East hotel. According to a report, several Bhim Army colleagues, including Ashok Kamble, were detained/arrested by the police. This reflects the Hindutva forces and their supportive authorities continued measures of repression.
Meanwhile, the Pune Bhim Army chief Datta Pol said that all preparations are done for the Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar Azad alias Ravan's rally in Mumbai pending permission. He said that stage is ready on ground, banners and advertisements are ready. People have faith that this rally will happen as planned, he said. Chandrasekhar Azad is planning to hold a rally in SSPMS Ground in Pune on December 30.

Rise in violence

Caste- and religion-related hate crimes are rising alarmingly. The polarisation has risen especially in UP which leads in communal violence related incidents. In the Vinod Dua Show Episode 11, discussing trends of violence, he exposes the apathy of rulers in states like UP, Karnataka and Gujarat quoting the figures provided by government in Lok Sabha.
In the year 2015, 751 incidents of communal violence took place killing 97 persons and injuring 2264. In 2016, 706 incidents with 86 dead and 2321 injured and in 2017, 822 killed and 2384 injured. A report released by Amnesty International, a London-based NGO, reveals the number of crimes committed against marginalised sections in India.
The data from 2015 to 2018 were documented. According to the report, in 2015, 240 cases of mob lynching were recorded. In 2017, the number was 212 and in 2018 till July, 98 cases have been reported. 9 cases of cow violence, 66 cases of caste related and 26 cases of religion related crimes, 34 cases of gender related violence and three cases of honor killing were reported in 2018 till July.

Atmosphere of anger, fear

Therefore, anguish and anger about present atmosphere is justified to a large extent. The attempt to curb minorities, especially Muslims, and Dalits from expressing their dissent is very dangerous as it further escalates tensions between upper castes and lower castes. The marginalised Dalits, backward castes and Muslims are being forced to live in perpetual fear of being lynched at any time. This trend may continue well into the next year.
It is very likely that coming days and months would witness one of the worst forms of polarisation. People should not let things go out of control. They should try to combat communalism and religious bigotry through active discussions. Otherwise, the country may witness chaotic conditions.
The first part of next year might be crucial as the country braces for elections. Hate spreading politicians should be kept under check. Rumours should not be believed and false information should be detected quickly and effectively.
Awareness of communal harmony is crucial for peaceful atmosphere. Activists must hold meetings and seminars on the importance of tolerance, liberation from oppression, stress on secularism, socialism and ways to counter hate mongers and their divisive tactics for selfish gains.
Next year is going to be a litmus test for the people in upholding the constitutional value and democratic rights.
---
*The writer from everywhere and anywhere, hopes for better days ahead

Comments

NYT: RSS 'infiltrates' institutions, 'drives' religious divide under Modi's leadership

By Jag Jivan A comprehensive New York Times investigation published on December 26, 2025, chronicles the rise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — characterized as a far-right Hindu nationalist organization — from a shadowy group founded in 1925 to the world's largest right-wing force, marking its centenary in 2025 with unprecedented influence and mainstream acceptance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who joined the RSS as a young boy and later became a full-time campaigner before being deputized to its political wing in the 1980s, delivered his strongest public tribute to the group in his August 2025 Independence Day address. Speaking from the Red Fort , he called the RSS a "giant river" with dozens of streams touching every aspect of Indian life, praising its "service, dedication, organization, and unmatched discipline." The report describes how the RSS has deeply infiltrated India's institutions — government, courts, police, media, and academia — ...

From colonial mercantilism to Hindutva: New book on the making of power in Gujarat

By Rajiv Shah Professor Ghanshyam Shah ’s latest book, “ Caste-Class Hegemony and State Power: A Study of Gujarat Politics ”, published by Routledge , is penned by one of Gujarat ’s most respected chroniclers, drawing on decades of fieldwork in the state. It seeks to dissect how caste and class factors overlap to perpetuate the hegemony of upper strata in an ostensibly democratic polity. The book probes the dominance of two main political parties in Gujarat—the Indian National Congress and the BJP—arguing that both have sustained capitalist growth while reinforcing Brahmanic hierarchies.

ArcelorMittal faces global scrutiny for retreat from green steel, job cuts, and environmental violations

By Jag Jivan ArcelorMittal is facing mounting criticism after cancelling or delaying nearly all of its major green steel projects across Europe, citing an “unsupportive policy environment” from the European Union . The company has shelved projects in Germany , Belgium , and France , while leaving the future of its Spanish decarbonisation plan uncertain. The decision comes as global unions warn that more than 5,500 jobs are at risk across its operations, including 4,000 in South Africa , 1,400 in Europe, and 160 in Canada .

Domestic vote-bank politics 'behind official solidarity' with Bangladeshi Hindus

By Sandeep Pandey, Faisal Khan The Indian government has registered a protest with Bangladesh over the mob lynching of two Hindus—Deepu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and Amrit Mandal in Rajbari. In its communication, the government cited a report by the Association of Hindus, Buddhists and Christian Unity Council, which claims that more than 2,900 incidents of killings, arson, and land encroachments targeting minorities have taken place since the interim government assumed power in Bangladesh.

Gig workers’ strike halts platforms, union submits demands to Labour Ministry

By A Representative India’s gig economy witnessed an partial disruption on December 31, 2025, as a large number of delivery workers, app-based service providers, and freelancers across the country participated in a nationwide strike called by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU). The strike, which followed days of coordinated protests, shut down major platforms including Zomato , Swiggy , Blinkit , Zepto , Flipkart , and BigBasket in several areas.

Dalit woman student’s death sparks allegations of institutional neglect in Himachal college

By A Representative A Dalit rights organisation has alleged severe caste- and gender-based institutional violence leading to the death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman student at Government Degree College, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and has demanded arrests, resignations, and an independent inquiry into the case.

2025 was not just a bad year—it was a moral failure, it normalised crisis

By Atanu Roy* The clock has struck midnight. 2025 has passed, and 2026 has arrived. Firecrackers were already bursting in celebration. If this is merely a ritual, like Deepavali, there is little to comment on. Otherwise, I find 2025 to have been a dismal year, weighed down by relentless odds—perhaps the worst year I have personally witnessed.

The instrument of oppression and liberation: A new look at the flute in Hindi poetry

By Ravi Ranjan* The intellectual revolution brought about by structuralism in the mid-twentieth century fundamentally altered the way scholars approached literature, language, anthropology, and culture. At its core lay the conviction that all human expressions—whether linguistic, mythic, or literary—are organized by deep, underlying structures that reflect universal patterns of the human mind.

Celebrating 125 yr old legacy of healthcare work of missionaries

Vilas Shende, director, Mure Memorial Hospital By Moin Qazi* Central India has been one of the most fertile belts for several unique experiments undertaken by missionaries in the field of education and healthcare. The result is a network of several well-known schools, colleges and hospitals that have woven themselves into the social landscape of the region. They have also become a byword for quality and affordable services delivered to all sections of the society. These institutions are characterised by committed and compassionate staff driven by the selfless pursuit of improving the well-being of society. This is the reason why the region has nursed and nurtured so many eminent people who occupy high positions in varied fields across the country as well as beyond. One of the fruits of this legacy is a more than century old iconic hospital that nestles in the heart of Nagpur city. Named as Mure Memorial Hospital after a British warrior who lost his life in a war while defending his cou...

Search This Blog