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How long will the Dalits of West Bengal remain on the margins?

The Matuas, including the Namo Shudras, make up around 2.5 crore of West Bengal’s 9.5-crore population. Clearly, they have been playing a decisive role in the assembly elections. Yet, they are on the margins. Lalit Kumar looks for answers

Electioneering is in full swing in West Bengal. The state goes to the polls next month. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vehemently playing the Hindutva card. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is also fighting a no-holds-barred battle to retain power. But the issues of the Dalitbahujans are nowhere in sight. Even as the Modi versus Mamata battle is raging, Dalit politics is neither here nor there. In fact, ever since Independence, Dalit politics here has always been on the margins.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: How long will the Dalits of West Bengal remain on the margins?

About The Author

Lalit Kumar

Dr Lalit Kumar is a sociopolitical analyst and media researcher

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