Indian society is characterised by its division into castes despite constitutional advances. Amongst the various castes one of the scheduled caste in the country, is Dalit in legal and constitutional terms. The word Dalit—literally translating to “oppressed” or “broken”—is generally used to refer to people who were once known as “untouchables”, those belonging to castes outside the fourfold Hindu Varna system. This show of Youngistan Zindabad on IBN-Lokmat brings to you the views of young Indians on a very sensitive topic “Politics of Dalit’s Vote Bank”. Tune in to IBN-Lokmat on Monday 14th of April at 6.30pm and listen to what the youth of our country have to say about Dalit as scheduled caste, and what they feel about Dalit representing any of constitutional party & Dalit voters. This show of Youngistan Zindabad is presented by Hero & co presented by AJNARA.
The Dalits represent 18% of the Indian population that is approximately 170 million individuals living without dignity. The Democratic Indian Constitution written by Ambedkar, one of the few Dalits having had access to education abolished untouchability (art.17 of the Constitution), forbade discrimination (art.15), set the goal for social justice and equal opportunity by introducing special measures (seat reserved in political representation, quotas in education and public service). But, 50 years later, these principles are still only rarely applied.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, leader of the Dalits, constructed the Constitution for Indian Republic and campaigned against Caste discrimination. His aim was to divorce religion from politics. Even today in Rural and semi urban areas religion does influence politics and contesting parties try to appease the minority from different religions as vote banks. Politics influenced by religion is a blow to the secular status of any nation. Rather than religion, politicians must focus on development and growth oriented agendas and this can get votes from people of all religions and communities.
India has the potential to become one of the strongest nations in the world provided we follow the proper norms of democracy and embrace secularism as preached by many great people. The votes of Dalit community should be treated significant to form a democratic government for the making of a prosperous India. Tune in to IBN-Lokmat on Monday 14th of April at 6.30 pm to know more about what the youth of India have to say on Dalit’s representation in Indian Politics only on Youngistan Zindabad.