In further evidence to the growing discord between Ambedkarites and the Left in India, one of the leaders of the recent Una Dalit uprising in Gujarat, Jignesh Mevani, has refused to attend an event by the Pattikajathi Kshema Samithi after he realized that it was affiliated to the CPI(M) in Kerala.
In a statement, the Una uprising leader said that he had agreed to participate in the event on being told that the PKS was not linked to any political party, but once he learned that they were a front for the CPI(M), he has cancelled his participation in the event.
He also slammed the CPI(M).
“As an Ambedkarite, I have serious reservations and problems with the work and ideology of CPI (M) in Kerala and elsewhere. Not only is their work problematic, I also seriously condemn the the treatment meted out to Chitralekha by CPI (M) and I am with her in her struggle,” he said. (sic)
Auto-driver Chitralekha’s life has been particularly difficult for 11 years ever since she began to drive an autorickshaw for a living. Chitralekha, who is from Payyanur in Kannur district of Kerala, belongs to the Pulaya castes whose members were historically slaves of feudal landlords and bound to do their bidding. You can read about her struggles against Leftist unions here, and here.
Here is Mevani’s full post: