'Power is single-point agenda of every party'

A key Dalit ideologue, J V Pawar has chronicled Dalit Panthers, the iconic movement of the 1970s which re-defined Maharashtra's socio-political agenda, sparking the embers of Dalit empowerment. Pawar, speaking to Ambarish Mishra, says Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's world view will eventually help the country shed casteism and sectarian politics.

Q: Haven't Dalits lost their political clout because of infighting and factionalism? There is widespread feeling among Dalits that they have been merely a pawn in the game of power. Comment.

A: This is true to a certain extent. Rampant factionalism in the RPI has demoralised Dalits, while the Congress flagrantly used Muslims for its political gains. However, the situation is fast changing. Both communities are now aware of their political clout. The Muslims have begun to realise the sanctity of the Constitution and secular values.

Q: How is 2019 election crucial?

A: The 2019 election will determine the future of the Constitution and whether India will thrive as a democratic country. Some decisions taken by those in office over the last four and a half years fuelled fears among many that the Constitution is in danger. Today, safeguarding the Constitution is of paramount importance, a matter of commitment for common citizens.

Q: The key poll issues?

A: Grabbing power at any cost is the single-point agenda of every political party.

Q: What issues would you give priority to?

A: I think rationalism should be given its pride of place in our public life. Scientific temper deepens

democracy

. However, politicians flag off their poll campaign from a place of worship. This is reprehensible. Second, caste should be banished from our national life. Caste humiliates human beings. Every citizen should have equal and unhindered access to fundamental rights guaranteed to him and her by the Constitution. Instead, politicians are strengthening caste system.

Q: It is alleged that Prakash Ambedkar's Bahujan Vanchit Aghadi-MIM alliance will eventually help the BJP. Comment.

A: The charge is baseless. There was no Bahujan Vanchit Aghadi-MIM alliance in 2014 when the BJP swept the polls.

Q: Mayawati won power in UP with Dalit empowerment as her agenda. Why couldn't the Dalit parties do so in Maharashtra?

A: Dr Ambedkar gave precedence to social transformation over power. But UP showed more interest in the latter and hunger for power led to unholy and ideologically incompatible alliances, even with the BJP. Mayawati may have occupied the CM's seat, but power didn't lead to widespread social transformation in UP. In contrast, Maharashtra is steeped in the thoughts of Mahatma Phule, Shahu Maharaj and Dr Ambedkar. Maharashtra believes in social transformation. The process is slow, but steady. It's good if power flows from socio-economic changes.