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Politics of Identity Contra Anti-caste Social Visions

Vol. 57, Issue No. 42, 15 Oct, 2022
Rajat Roy

The intricate relations between caste-based identity politics and anti-caste social associations and visions in West Bengal are unravelled, based on findings from a micro study conducted in a village in Nadia district between November 2020 and March 2021. In-depth interviews too were conducted with Namasudra leaders, the anti-caste Matua sect, and Matua dals (village associations) in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. While the discourse on citizenship and the long experience of social and political marginalisation have resulted in a strategic polarisation of the Matuas towards the politics of Hindutva, this has never stifled their quest for social justice.The intricate relations between caste-based identity politics and anti-caste social associations and visions in West Bengal are unravelled, based on findings from a micro study conducted in a village in Nadia district between November 2020 and March 2021. In-depth interviews too were conducted with Namasudra leaders, the anti-caste Matua sect, and Matua dals (village associations) in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. While the discourse on citizenship and the long experience of social and political marginalisation have resulted in a strategic polarisation of the Matuas towards the politics of Hindutva, this has never stifled their quest for social justice.

From Postcolonial Irony to Dalit Truth

Vol. 55, Issue No. 47, 28 Nov, 2020
Rajat Roy

The paper, in three parts, examines the question of lived experience and Dalit subjectivity in a caste society. The first part argues that the signature postcolonial concepts like “plurality” of lifeworlds as postcolonial historical “difference” fail to provide a method to read Dalit politics outside the framework of irony. The second part critically evaluates existing debates on experience/theory as a necessary precondition for Dalit subjectivity. The paper ends with a speculative reading of “Ambedkar thought” as a decision that creates an ontological separation from the Hindu social. It argues that such subjective decision is prior to experience/theory—it is only through separation that one recognises an experience.

Communal Politics Gaining Ground in West Bengal

Vol. 52, Issue No. 16, 22 Apr, 2017
Rajat Roy

The steady decline of the left and the Congress has created a political vacuum in West Bengal. While the Trinamool Congress government consolidated its support base with important populist measures, some of its pro-Muslim policies drew flak from a section of the Hindus. The Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to enter into Bengal politics by attacking the TMC on its appeasement policy and is trying to whip up pro-Hindu sentiments. With the weakening of secular democratic forces, the polarisation of the society on communal lines is taking place with much vigour.

Nothing Succeeds Like Success in West Bengal

Vol. 51, Issue No. 22, 28 May, 2016
Rajat Roy

The outcome of the West Bengal assembly elections raises important questions. For one, it questions the narrative of rural appeasement by populist schemes undertaken by the incumbent government versus discontent in urban areas. The success of the welfare schemes, in any case, is put in check by extortion, lumpen practices, corruption as well as discrimination in favour of Trinamool Congress supporters. The hurriedly put together alliance between the Left Front and Congress could offer no viable alternative to the ruling regime.

Endemic Hunger in West Bengal

Vol. 43, Issue No. 18, 03 May, 2008
Rajat Roy

The problem of chronic hunger that afflicts around 10 million rural people in West Bengal has largely been ignored. What is the Left Front government doing to alleviate the situation?

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