For context, the Vishalgad-Kolhapur violence that erupted on July 14 has left multiple Muslim families of the Gajapur village helpless and distraught, with not even a pair of clothes to change during the rainy reason. On July 14, a Sunday, disturbing visuals of a Mosque being demolished emerged from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district. A video from the ground showed a group of men belonging to an extremist Hindutva mob climbing atop a Mosque holding saffron flags and vandalising a Mosque with hammers. The video showed mobs of people standing upon the Mosque and planting a saffron flag on it. While the police rushed to the spot of the mob demolition to get a hold of the situation as the Mosque was being demolished, a mob of thousands entered the Gajapur village and wreaked havoc. As per on-ground reports, the Gajapur village was the worst violence hit village during the whole incident with approximately 50-60 houses and shops belonging to the Muslim community were attacked, torched and loot by the mob. 

Detailed reports of the violence and the plight of the people of Gajapur can be accessed here and here.

Tamboli has provided that a copy of the memorandum that he had, with a group of locals from Gajapur village and Vishalgad area, submitted to the District Collector. The said memorandum had been submitted to the Collector on July 15, one day post the eruption of the violence. Through the said memorandum, Tamboli has majorly raised a total of four issues. The first issue raised by him through the memorandum is that the encroachment drive that has been initiated, and is ongoing, be paused till the rainy season is going on. As per multiple media reports, the protest called on by Sambhaji Raje had only been called off after an assurance by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde that action will be taken against illegal encroachments in the fort. It had also been reported that following the violent incident on Sunday, about 35 illegal shops were razed by authorities on Monday on the orders of CM Shinde who arrived in Kolhapur on Sunday night. Additionally, it had been highlighted by Tamboli that these alleged “encroachments” consist of shops of certain vendors and structures, the removal of which no one is contesting. But the same should not be done during the rainy season. 

In addition to this, as the second demand, Tamboli has asked the authorities to ensure that the people who will be rendered homeless after the encroachment drive is conducted should be provided with adequate rehabilitation, as is the legal norm. 

The third demand raised by the Tamboli was regarding a judicial high-level inquiry into theviolence that took place in the Gajapur village as well as the demolition of the Mosque. 

It is crucial to note that a letter demanding judicial inquiry into the Vishalgad violence was also sent by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on July 18 to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In the said letter, the leader of opposition in the state assembly claimed that anti-social elements targeted a particular community in the name of removing encroachment in Vishalgad. “The violence at Gazapur in Vishalgad was government-sponsored,” Wadettiwar had alleged in his letter, urging for the main culprit to be unmasked, as per The Print.

It is further essential to point out that Wadettiwar had also addressed a press conference wherein he had claimed that the targeted violence against Muslim in Gajapur was the result of the ground was slipping under the feet of communal forces after the victory of a candidate upholding progressive values in the Lok Sabha polls in Kolhapur.

“The violence was engineered keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections. Those indulging in violence cannot be followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Hence, the government must find out who are the culprits,” he had said.

In addition to the same, the Congress leader had accused the police of inaction while the violence was on. Tamboli had previously highlighted how the Superintendent of Police was present a mere one kilometre away when the violence was taking place in Gajapur, which also left 40 Muslims, including children, injured. Wadettiwar also claimed that the issue of encroachment could have been resolved through dialogue, but the government did not want that to happen. 

Lastly, the fourth demand that was raised by Tamboli in his memorandum was that the superintendent of police, Mahendra Pandit, be transferred be suspended as it was under his charge, that the present incident of targeted violence had taken place. Tamboli also stated that the failure of the SP in containing communal incidents is evident as in the past one year itself, this was second such major incident where Muslims had been targeted. According to him, it was the failure on the part of the police authorities that a mob in thousands, armed with weapons, had run freely and burnt down houses, vehicles and shops that belonged to Muslims. 

The complete memorandum can be read here.

While speaking to SabrangIndia, Tamboli had also highlighted that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure are still in place, and police is still deployed in the area. The police present there is preventing any aid, provided by certain non-government organisations, from reaching the affected people. The families whose houses have been burned down by the mob are left with nothing, and yet the police are not allowing for any aid to be provided to the persons affected. As provided by Tamboli, the authorities are ensuring that the affected Muslim families are harassed even after suffering through the violence. Tamboli stated that “the police failed to do anything before, but now they are harassing the people by not letting us give them ration and not letting us meet them. it was only after talking to the Collector and arguing with the police for atleast two hours was I allowed to meet them before. I will go and meet the IG today and raise this issue with him.”

Related:

Post violence follow-up in Gajapur village of Kolhapur shows Muslims families left with no food, shelter or vehicles, activists blame authorities of being mute spectators

Violence, vandalism and arson in Kolhapur, Muslim houses and mosque targeted by mob that had gathered on the call of former RS MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati

Maharashtra: Bulldozer Raj, tensions rise in Kolhapur’s Laxtirth Vasahat Colony after administration demolishes Madrasa under pressure from Hindutva organisations

11 educational institutions target of organised Hindutva mobs in in Kolhapur: Fact-finding team

The post Opposition leaders, activists demand suspension of SP, Kolhapur and judicial inquiry into Vishal-gad Kolhapur violence appeared first on SabrangIndia.

It is to be noted that since the past few months, a campaign is being run by the certain Hindu right-wing outfits to “free” the historic Vishalgad fort of “encroachment”. A brief on the importance of the said fort in Maratha history is that the same fort was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to escape after being besieged at Panhala Fort in 1660. In 1844, Vishalgad was ruled by the Kolhapur State when a rebellion was led against a Brahmin regent who had been installed by the British when the natural heir to the throne was underage.

The said video can be viewed here:

In Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, mobs on Sunday climbed on the top of a mosque, planted a saffron flag and started destroying it when a rally against the illegal encroachment turned violent. pic.twitter.com/i8HkwYfoVg

— Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) July 15, 2024

As per multiple reports, the attack against the Muslim structures by the extremist group did not limit itself to the Mosque as houses and shops belonging to Muslim community were also destroyed.

Approximately 50-60 houses and shops belonging to Muslims were attacked, torched, and looted in Gajapur village, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, according to local residents. Fleeing for safety, residents sought refuge in nearby jungles as mobs numbering in thousands wreaked havoc. pic.twitter.com/Z3zFoLZunn

— The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) July 16, 2024

Details of the incident:

Calling it ‘Vishalgad Anti-Encroachment Movement,’ Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati and his supporters in Kolhapur have been mounting pressure on authorities to remove illegal encroachments at the Vishalgad fort for the past year. 

The clashes erupted after former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Raje called upon his supporters to march to the Vishalgarh fort in a bid to protest against the inaction of the authorities over illegal encroachments. The fort is located in Shahuwadi of Kolhapur district, about 75 kms from Kolhapur city.

As per the report in Maktoob Media, ahead of Sambhajiraje’s arrival at the fort around 9:40 am, a mob of his supporters had already started with stone-pelting on the mosque, Rehman Malik Dargah, and attacking local Muslim residents in the vicinity. Some vandals also allegedly chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ outside the mosque and raised objectionable slogans. It is essential to note that the said Mosque was on the way to Vishalgad fort, but was 6 km away from the fort.

The Maktoob Media report also alleged that the attack against Muslims occurred in police presence. As per the videos accessed by Maktoob Media, a few police personnel were deployed to guard the place to stop the Hindutva mob but were unable to do anything. After the attack on the Mosque, some of the residents then reportedly retaliated, following which the situation went out of control. The police then cordoned off the fort and barred entry, following which the mob allegedly attacked shops and homes in the Gajapur village by the foothills of the fort. Several homes in Gajapur were allegedly set on fire while several other homes and shops were vandalised and looted. As per Scroll, around 50-60 houses and shops belonging to members of Muslim community were attacked, looted and torched by the mob as it ran amok at Gajapur village in Kolhapur district. As told by the locals to media, several vehicles were also damaged. Locals further alleged that no cops were present there. As per the report in Maktoob Media, at least 40 Muslims, including children, were attacked in the incident.

Locals targeted, attacked, forced to flee fearing for violence: 

Last year, in 2023, the district administration had carried out a survey of the Vishalgarh fort and claimed that they found 160 buildings, including a mosque, houses, and shops, to have been constructed illegally. 

Statement of the locals who suffered the violent attack was provided in a report of Clarion India. As per the report, Imran Mujawar, a resident of Gajapur whose house was also attacked, stated that the residents fled their homes towards the nearby jungle to protect their lives when the mob reached the area. Mujawar is also a khadim at the Vishalgad dargah.

“People armed with weapons barged into houses. The residents fled their homes toward the jungle nearby to protect themselves. Homes were looted and their jewelleries were also stolen. Around 50-60 houses were destroyed,” said Mujawar.

Providing an estimate of the losses suffered by the Muslim whose properties and shops were destroyed, Mujawar stated that he lost properties worth 9-10 lakh while some people incurred the loss of 15-20 lakhs. Mujawar also provided how their vehicles were also destroyed. He stated, the mobs were armed with weapons such as swords and knifes and their target were Muslim people only.

The helplessness of the locals was also conveyed by Mujawar, who stated that the mob even threw or destroyed the edible items. As per Mujawar, the situation post the violent incident was so dire that people are not even left with ration to cook anything. 

“We can’t now estimate the losses. There might be a loss of crores. Dozens of vehicles were destroyed. Some houses were set on fire by exploding gas cylinder. It was the house in which a woman was living along with her children while his husband was working somewhere. The woman fled her home along with children,” said Mujawar.

According to Mujawar, there were four to five thousand people in the mob and the attacks occurred even in the presence of the police force. Several people got injured in the attacks. Some of them had fractures and were admitted to a local hospital, as per a Clarion India report. 

“In Gajapur, all the residents are Muslims. Their homes and properties were targeted. There are homes of Hindus ahead of Gajapur. They were not touched. Only Muslims were targeted,” asserted Mujawar.

Mujawar also alleged that the said targeted attack against the Muslim community took place Maharashtra assembly elections are approaching. “They want to win elections by creating riots,” he said, as per Clarion India.

As per a statement of the police, police personnel were also injured during the incident. A report of The Quint provided that several local journalists reporting on the incident had alleged that they were threatened by people who were a part of the mob with knives and sticks to stop them from reporting on the incident. Furthermore, the journalists claimed that their equipment, mobile phones, and boom mic were snatched by miscreants while brandishing swords and knives. Some also claimed that their vehicles were chased in order to scare them into not coming to the area. Notably, Kolhapur Press Club president Sheetal Dhanwade, addressing journalists on July 15, had said that an undertaking will be given to the police and the authorities in this regard.

Action taken by authorities:

As per media reports, following the violence, vandalism and arson, there is a deployment of police force in the village and prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed in the area. The police are registering FIRs over the incidents. As per media reports, the Kolhapur police on Monday lodged four FIRs against over 500 persons including former Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje. Till now, a total of 21 people had been arrested by the Kolhapur police.

It is also essential to point here that Sambhaji Raje called off his protest after an assurance by CM Eknath Shinde that action will be taken against illegal encroachments in the fort. It has also been reported that following the violent incident, about 35 illegal shops were razed by authorities on Monday on the orders of CM Shinde who arrived in Kolhapur on Sunday night.

Some politicians condemn, some under scanner point fingers at authorities:

Sambhaji Raje, who is deemed to be the cause of the unrest, blamed the local authorities and the police for not taking enough measures despite anticipating that the situation may get out of hand. He also showed up at the local police station to urge officials to book him instead of ‘Shivaji bhakts’.

“Several Shiv Bhakts have been booked. Rather than harassing them, the police should book me. I kept asking them if I have been booked but they refused to answer,” Sambhaji Raje said, as per media reports. Furthermore, Sambhaji Raje claimed that there was no communal agenda behind his movement but some people with vested interests are trying to portray it so.

काल विशाळगड येथे झालेल्या प्रकरणानंतर पोलिसांनी शिवभक्तांची धरपकड सुरू केलेली आहे. काही शिवभक्तांवर गुन्हे नोंद करण्यात आलेले आहेत. प्रशासन स्वतःच्या चुकीवर पडदा टाकण्यासाठी व स्वतःचा बेजबाबदारपणा लपविण्यासाठी जाणीवपूर्वक शिवभक्तांना लक्ष्य करत आहे. मी सर्व शिवभक्तांच्या पाठीशी…

— Sambhaji Chhatrapati (@YuvrajSambhaji) July 15, 2024

“One of the first encroachments to be destroyed belongs to a Prakash Patil. Some of the first action was faced by Hindu families. Some people are trying to do Hindu-Muslim over this, they must not. I do not support what happened in Gajapur. The incident must be probed and the police must take appropriate action. If somebody is firing shots with the gun on my shoulder, I will look into it. But my intention was only to protest against encroachment,” he said, as per The Quint.

Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi MP attacked the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra and asked them to take action against the culprits. Owaisi slammed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) by describing the incident as a repeat of Babri Masjid demolition. In his post on social media, Owaisi shared the video on his official account and said, “6 December continues @mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis under your government a Masjid is attacked by a Mob, this is an attack on Rule of Law but your government is not concerned.”

He further said, “Muslims of Maharashtra must reply through Ballot by ensuring your party MIM candidates win the forthcoming elections to stop the Mobs and the political leaders & parties who give them patronage and support and remember the Silence of parties who are claiming they won ‘Moral victory’.”

The post can be viewed here:

“6 December continues “@mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis under your government a Masjid is attacked by a Mob,this is an attack on Rule of Law but your government is not concerned.
Muslims of Maharashtra must reply through Ballot by ensuring your party MIM candidates win the… https://t.co/085RnK2y7u

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 15, 2024

After the statement made by Sambhaji Raje was released, many of the opposition leaders spoke out against the incident and demanded immediate action against him. A meeting was also held by Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) chief Sharad Pawar, Kolhapur MP Shahu Maharaj, NCPSP district president VB Patil, and district Congress president and MLA Satej Patil over the unrest.

Kolhapur Lok Sabha MP and Sambhaji Raje’s father Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj condemned the violence while blaming the administration for failing to handle it.

“We condemn the violence committed on the occasion of removing the encroachment on Vishalgad Fort after Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje’s call. It is extremely painful and distressing to witness such an incident in Kolhapur district, which holds the legacy of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj deeply,” Shahu Maharaj said, as per The Quint.

Satej Patil stated that “Somebody like Sambhaji Raje should have been careful while blaming the authorities for the unrest.” 

As per a report of the Deccan Herald, Kolhapur Guardian Minister Hasan Mushrif stated that “Such an incident is a blot in the kingdom of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The issue of encroachments on Vishalgad is sub-judice. So, it is for Sambhaji Raje to answer whether his stance on the issue is appropriate.”

Several Muslim bodies led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind also submitted a letter to the Kolhapur authorities to take strict action against those accused and demanded that Sambhaji Raje must be arrested.

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The post Violence, vandalism and arson in Kolhapur, Muslim houses and mosque targeted by mob that had gathered on the call of former RS MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The move by the municipal corporation raises serious questions as reports suggest that the madrasa’s appeal in court was scheduled for February 2. People from the Muslim community are asking if the court was about to hear the case regarding the alleged illegal structure, why was it razed a day before it? This move is one more case of the Bulldozer being used against the state’s minorities by the Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena-Bharaitiya Janata Party (BJP) regime).

Atmosphere tense

As per reports, during the demolition, locals shouted slogans and expressed their disagreement which escalated tension in the area. Although police have successfully maintained peace till now with implementation of section 144 , the atmosphere in the area remains tense. Reports suggest that strict identity checks have been enforced for those moving in and out of the areas.

Interestingly, the  Laxtirth Vasahat Peace Committee had said that the structure in question has not faced complaints from locals or the community, asserting that actions are based on external complaints. Yesterday, former corporator Anandrao Khedkar, Yuvraj Khandagale, and peace committee members demanded an extension of encroachment proceedings in light of these concerns.

Protest from Hindutva organisations led to Bulldozer action?

Due to some questions about permissions around this Madrassa, far right Hindutva organisations had asked that the Alif Anjuman madrasa in Laxtirth Vasahat Colony be closed down. Following the protests of Hindutva organisations, the trust received a notice from the local corporation instructing them to remove the structure. In the meanwhile, the trust submitted a petition to the court. Following the court hearing on the petition, a temporary stay was granted for a certain period of time. Later, the court had denied the application to restrict the action in a hearing on January 23. However, the Municipal Corporation anti-encroachment team made all the necessary preparations and headed to demolish the Madrasa on Wednesday at approximately seven in the morning. The madrasa was razed down with the help of  three JCBs, a dumper, fire department vehicles, etc.

The entire demolition was incited it appears from local news reports after a complaint by the controversial Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in May 2023. Thereafter as pressure built up, authorities came and sealed the Madrassa in December 2023. There unconfirmed allegations, of a bus of “children” being “stoned” after some of them raised the slogan “Jai Sri Ram.”

Hindutva organisations participating in the protests

In fact Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, BJP, Shiv Sena, Hindu Ekta Andolan, Hindu Mahasabha, etc. have been active in these protests against the Madrassa.

Related: 

Historic 600 year old Delhi mosque demolished without notice

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Evictions are at an all-time high as bulldozers gain momentum in the country

The post Maharashtra: Bulldozer Raj, tensions rise in Kolhapur’s Laxtirth Vasahat Colony after administration demolishes Madrasa under pressure from Hindutva organisations appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This planned program is reportedly being implemented in various educational institutions, targeting teachers by deliberately inciting students on religious grounds, putting pressure on the management of educational institutions and disrupting the harmonious educational environment. None of this would have come to light but for the senior women activists from various organisations, who put together the fact-finding report under the umbrella organization, “Women Protest for Peace” (WPFP).

This group, consisting of educators and gender rights’ activists, visited all the educational institutions, spoke to all the protagonists and then compiled the report which was submitted to the District Collector, Rahul Rekhawar, and last week. All these are important institutions in this area, particularly because boys and girls of the Bahujan community are able to avail of higher education; these are conclusions of an all-woman fact-finding team that made available its report to SabrangIndia recently.

The concerned institutions are:

1. Kolhapur Institute of Technology (KIT), Gokul Shirgaon, Kolhapur
2. Vivekananda Institutes of Education:
3. Vivekananda College, Kolhapur
4. Dattajirao Kadam Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ichalkaranji
5. Seventh-day Adventist School, Kolhapur
6. Rayat Shikshan Sanstha:
7. Chhatrapati Shahu College, Kolhapur
8. Pandit Nehru Vidyalaya and Junior College, Kaulapur,
9. Yashwantrao Chavan College, Pachwad, Satara
10. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu College, Kolhapur
11. Chandrabai-Shantappa Shendure College, Hupari, Kolhapur

Kolhapur is known for its contribution to social justice, with the legacy of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. However, as part of a carefully orchestrated strategy in the build-up next year’s elections, Kolhapur, as at least 15 districts in Maharashtra has seen the rise of hate speech, hate crimes and systemic communal violence. Police have been reluctant or tardy, though organisations locally in Kolhapur and Citizens for Justice and Peace have been consistently campaigning with the authorities for meticulous registration of FIRs, independent investigations and prosecutions in all these cases.

In recent months, there have been attempts by some individuals and organisations to disrupt social peace in the city. Sabrangindia has reported extensively on the recent violence starting June 5, a 16-year-old minor boy from Kolhapur shared a video on his Instagram account featuring pictures of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Tensions mounted the next day and despite the registration of the FIR against this individual, unchecked by the police and administration saw a majoritarian mob gathering and calling for a “shut down” of the city. The protests created a tense atmosphere and over 30,000 people gathered at the Shivaji Chowk. Stone-pelting against targeted Muslims and their shops including vandalizing them was allowed initially unchecked by the wider community. Thereafter a peace rally was organised and then on Sunday, June 25, the occasion of Shahu Maharaj’s birth anniversary, the city of Kolhapur, also the city that gave us rationalist, Dr Govind Pansare, witnessed a march for peace and harmony: sadbhavna or goodwill marked the rally which aimed at promoting unity in a district recently wrecked by communal violence, targeting the minorities.

Clearly the hate and divisive experiment has not stopped. Detailed documentation of the recent incidents by the FFC show this. Identities of the professors and teachers targeted have been concealed as a measure of protection.

The first incident takes place a day after the abovementioned incident on June 8, 2023 itself. On that day, at the Kolhapur Institute of Technology, Gokul Shirgaon, Kolhapur, a woman professor in the college was asked to take a ‘value education’ class. After the class started, some students started a discussion on the topic of ‘gender discrimination’. They made derogatory statements about the minority community: “Muslims are rapists. Hindus are never involved in any kind of riots. Babri Masjid was demolished by order of Supreme Court, etc.” The professor responded with a clear stand regarding these statements, based on facts: “Rape is not limited to any religion or caste. Rapists have no religion or caste. Rape is the most heinous form of crimes against women.”

It is clear that the question-answer session was carefully planned. Some of the students secretly filmed the video of her talk, edited it (read doctored it) and posted it on social media. The video went viral. Based on this doctored clip, some Hindutva-alligned organizations put pressure on the college management and the professor, demanding action against her. They threatened to stop the examinations if no action was taken. They demanded that she render a public apology and insisted that she should publicly apologise, in open, at Shivaji Chowk, Kolhapur.

Succumbing to the pressure, according to the letter issued on June 16, 2023 regarding this incident, disciplinary action was taken against the professor. Without investigating who did the filming in the class without permission, who contributed to distorting it and spreading it, the institute sent the professor on compulsory leave. However, despite this, the professor flatly refused to apologise.

Progressive women in Kolhapur, as well as other progressive youth organisations, met the management of the institute. They argued that the     professor had not violated the discipline of the college in any way. They demanded that the action against the professor be withdrawn, that she should be reinstated in service immediately; the matter be investigated impartially, and that action be taken against the students who doctored and disseminated the video. This issue was also discussed at the national level, with the ‘India Academic Freedom Network’ and other organisations releasing leaflets supporting her.

Even after that, the management advised her to apologise, but she refused. The institution then asked her to ‘work from home’ for a few days. At the end of the forced leave period at the end of the semester she was allowed to re-join service only on August 21, 2023.

Six weeks later, on July 17, 2023, at the Vivekananda Education Society, Kolhapur (reference, Daily Lokmat, Kolhapur. July 18, 2023, there was a controversy over the hijab. A teacher asked a student wearing a saffron to leave the class. Subsequently, angry students argued and asked why Muslim girls were allowed to sit in class wearing the hijab. This created an atmosphere of tension in the college premises for some time. Students mobilized and organized protests in large numbers, in front of the college office, with students shouting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram”. Police were also called in to calm the students. No information was given by the college administration regarding this incident, but the video of students sloganeering went viral on social media. The college has not taken any action.

Three days later, on July 21 at the Dattajirao Kadam Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ichalkaranji another controversy over religious dress: (Reference: Lokmat News Network 22.07.2023). That morning,

reportedly, two students came to Dattajirao Kadam ASC College wearing saffron scarves. They were stopped at the entrance by security guards and teachers. They confiscated the scarves and asked the students to retrieve them on their way out from college. After this information spread, some students argued that other religions were allowed certain garments, why not them. At this time, some college students wearing hijab were also stopped at the entrance. As soon as the information about this spread, supporters of both the communities gathered outside the college in large numbers, sloganeering started and tensions rose.

As soon as the information about this incident came to light, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sameer Singh Salve, Inspector Raju Tashildar, Satyawan Hake, Pravin Khanpure reached the spot along with the Rapid Action Force.

A large crowd from both sides had gathered in the petrol pump area in front of the college. A stampede broke out as the police used lathi charge to disperse the crowd. There was a big traffic jam on the Kolhapur Road as this was going on in the main road itself. Deputy Superintendent Salve, Principal Dr. Anil Patil, supporters of both the communities held a meeting    at which accusations were hurled. The college administration bought time by announcing that they would discuss it with their senior officers and take a decision. Police security was deployed in front of the college throughout the day.

Hindutva organizations have warned of protests in front of the college if the college administration did not take a proper decision on religious dress by the next Monday, that is July 24, the organisations said they would stand outside the college and distribute saffron scarfs to all the youth entering the college. This did not actually happen, but there is an uneasy calm in the town.

Then comes the incident at the Seventh-Day Adventist School this time in Kolhapur. On August 4, 2023, during a school examination, a student wrote ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on the answer sheet. As per the examination rules, no writing/ picture can be drawn on the answer sheet which will show identification. The teacher told the boy not to do so, but the boy became very aggressive. He then urged other students to write ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on their answer sheets. The teacher, herself a Hindu, got angry and punished the boy. This news “mysteriously” reached a mob of 40-50 men, conveniently waiting outside who, as soon as the school was over, barged into the school and demanded that the school management apologies for punishing the student. There was loud sloganeering and banging of doors.

Inspector Ajay Sindkar of Shahupuri Police Station intervened and held a meeting between the school administration, Hindutva activists and parents. In this meeting, the school administration promised to act against the concerned teacher.

Amidst a tense situation in the school, the next day the school management, teachers and some other people met former Shiv Sena MLA Mr. Rajesh Kshirsagar and discussed the incident with him. No concrete conclusion was reached during this discussion. Mr. Rajesh Kshirsagar explained to the teachers to calm down and asked the school management not to escalate the matter. He said that since he was very ‘positive’ about the school, and he would not escalate the issue if the concerned teacher was asked to resign. When the parents of the concerned child were called by the school, they said that they had no complaint, and they only wanted their child to study further. When the said incident took place, police security was also provided in the school for two days. The management did not come forward to take concrete action by filing a police complaint against the mob entering their school.

When the fact-finding committee met the school administration, the administration behaved very politely. But they were not eager to talk. The following points emerged from the discussion:

1. Seventh-day Adventists have many branches in Maharashtra and in Incidents of this nature are occurring in many of them.
2. This is an attempt to disturb and de-stabilise the

• Many parents have met the teachers and administration of the school and expressed their They also hoped that this  should not affect the students.

1. The mob demanded that the school put up pictures of national and political leaders in the school. After that, such photos have been put up everywhere in the school.
2. Seventh-day Adventists school management has advised a wait-and- watch policy for some time to calm the situation. Therefore, the teacher concerned has been advised to remain on leave till further
3. According to the information received by the committee, on another occasion, when a cleaning staff was called to mop water spilled in the corridor, the children asked her what religion she belonged to. When told that she is a Christian, the students insisted she chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Also, ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was written on all the school boards. When asked if this information was true, the administration    categorically denied that it had happened.

Similar attempts have been made to vitiate the atmosphere and disturb the peace in many colleges of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha. To discuss the matter, the fact-finding Committee met Ms. Saroj Patil, General Body Member of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha. The facts that emerged about various colleges under the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha umbrella are as follows.

The first such institution is the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu College, Kolhapur. On August 12, 2023, Ms. Saroj Patil was chairing a meeting of the College Development Committee (CDC) when a group of 20-25 boys entered the room by kicking the door open. Among them, nine students belonged to the college hostel. All of them wore saffron scarves around their necks and saffron marks on their foreheads. When asked how they came in without permission, they became aggressive and started an argument about hostel facilities. The administration had explained to the students that the hostels were being repaired and thus no hostel admissions would be given this year. On being persuaded, some hostel facilities were provided to the needy students in a long corridor. The Hindutva organisation decided to use this issue to enter the CDC meeting and   create a ruckus. The college administration was clear that they were unable to offer facilities this year and had informed the students. Ms. Patil told the FFC that she intervened on behalf of the students who apologised and are now continuing to stay and study in the college.

Then there is the Pandit Nehru Vidhyalay and Junior College, Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Kavlapur, Sangli District. On the day of the farewell ceremony of class 10, the students gave a Ganesha image to the staff. Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14, 2023. On the second day, in the backdrop of Chandrayaan-3 launch on July 15, 2023, a discussion was held among women professors on the scientific progress of the country and theism in the college staffroom. At that time, a female professor removed the Ganesha image from the staff room, taking the stand that it is not appropriate to have images of deities of any religion in the educational institution as per the ordinance of the Rayat Sanstha. The teacher concerned told the FFC that since the headmaster Mr. Mulla was on vacation acting headmaster Mr. Gaikwad was in-charge. After that, on July 17, July 25 and August 22, 2023, groups of Hindutva-inclined youth and villagers came to the college three times and put pressure on the institution against the teacher. They demanded that she should apologise, and the school should take action against her and transfer her with immediate effect. The teacher refused to apologise.

Gram Sabhas were also held on this question in the school premises. Various groups in the village used this incident to create pressure in the institution and mobilise villagers by giving a religious colour to the matter.  Discussion about Hindu-Muslim relations are ongoing in the village, in schools, and colleges. The concerned teacher is having to live under extreme mental stress. The FFC also found that Principal Mulla was transferred from the college to “maintain peace” in the village.

Thereafter, it is the Ms. Saroj Patil and Principal Dr. Manjushri Bobde from the Yashwantrao Chavan College, Pachwad, Satara, who met with the FFC about an incident that took place on August 9, 2023, August Kranti Day. A lecture was organised on August Kranti Din August 9, 2023 at the college, the guest speaker, made some remarks in his speech about the stories related to Hanuman are from the puranas (Hindu mythology and folklore). In the same speech he also referred to Comrade Govind Pansare’s book ‘Who was Shivaji?’, and tried to explain the importance and work of Shivaji Maharaj. Some of the students present at the lecture were Hanuman devotees and their feelings were allegedly hurt. They became agitated and objected to the speech of the guest speaker. The vice principal calmed them down and “apologized” to the students.

When this happened a teacher in the college commented that most students copy and pass their exams and they should stop doing this and instead read Comrade Govind Pansare’s ‘Who was Shivaji?’ On the second day, a mob of villagers and former students came together and demanded that she apologise for mentioning Shivaji in the singular, without according to him the status of Majesty. (This is a sore point with Hindutva organisations with activists claiming Shivaji Maharaj as a much-loved leader and ruler and Hindutva organisations according to him the title of Emperor).

At this time the sub-inspector of Pachwad village and the husband of the teacher was also present. She refused to apologise, stating that she only mentioned the book and did not refer to Shivaji Maharaj in the singular. Interestingly the Sub-Inspector of Police wrote to the college to take disciplinary action against the teacher. The college authorities have since forwarded the letter to the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, “for further action.”

This incident was discussed at the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu College, Kolhapur with the concerned professor.  Speaking of the incident at the Chhatrapati Shahu College, the concerned professor said that she had not gone back to college since the incident more than three weeks back and has reported sick. The FFC met Dr. Laxman Kadam the principal of the college. Information obtained from discussions with them is as follows:

The college administration had decided to make special efforts to ensure that students maintain discipline in the college premises. On August 17, 2023 at 12.30 p.m. the senior college professor was checking the dress code and identity card of all students when she noticed a student outside the classroom. She asked him in which class he studied and to show his identity card as it was not visible as he was wearing a saffron scarf. After telling the student that he should not come wearing such a scarf because the identity card is not visible and that the discipline of the college should be followed, he yelled at her and left the premises.

After that, in the staff meeting held around 1.30 pm, Principal Dr. Laxman Kadam said that when some Hindutva organisations came to meet him with complaints, he came to know about the incident. The professor clearly said that it was only a disciplinary matter.

Dr. Kadam told the FFC that a large group of Hindutva organisations came to meet him and barged into his office. They started shouting slogans. The principal called the police and pacified the crowd. The group demanded    that they be told of the dress code regulations of the college.

They repeatedly argued, asking if there were different rules for Hindus and Muslims. Hijab and cap are allowed, but why not saffron scarf, they asked. The principal told them that it is mandatory for students to adhere to the dress code (no jeans, shorts etc) with the prominent display of the identity card. There was no problem if students wore saffron scarves or any other clothing like saffron scarfs, Hijab or skull caps, the issue was that the identity card was not prominently displayed by the student. The mob demanded that the principal produce professor Mulani asking for her to apologize to them. The principal flatly refused.

Dr. Kadam said that three groups of different Hindutva organisations came to meet him and demanded an apology from the professor. Dr. Kadam decided to apologise on her behalf but they were not satisfied. After that, Shri. Ravikiran Ingwale of the Shiv Sena came there and took a stand in favour of the institution. (Note: Mr Ingawale took the opposite position in the KIT college case, described earlier in this report). Mr. Ingawale was allowed to meet the professor. He told her that if she wanted to work in the college, she would have to stop telling Hindus to adhere to a dress code. He told her she may go work elsewhere and insisted that the principal send her on forced leave. The college has decided that it is better to calm the situation and have issued a memo to the professor. She is presently on compulsory leave. The principal has advised the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha to transfer her with immediate effect. The professor is nearing retirement.

The last incident documented is at the Chandrabai-Shantappa Shendure College, Hupari, Kolhapur. A professor in the college put out a social media post about Adv. Prakash Ambedkar laying flowers on Aurangzeb’s grave and saying that since injustice is being done to both the Muslims and Dalits, they should unite. As Hupari village is very sensitive on all matters communal, it got a very negative reaction from the villagers. Principal Bhosale was surrounded by a mob and a case was registered against the professor. There was a demand to transfer the teacher with immediate effect. The institute   has transferred the teacher.

The fact-finding team, in its meeting with the Collector has recommended that

• An independent committee be appointed to conduct an impartial inquiry into these incidents.
• Strict action be taken against those found
• Launching of a helpline to respond to complaints and also reach out immediately to affected parties in case of such

In its detailed analysis, the report states that 

1. The incidents that took place in the months of June -August 2023 in various educational institutions in Kolhapur and Sangli districts are not isolated occurrences. They are predetermined and have a pattern of direct intervention by external elements in educational
2. Educational institutions have become targets of Hindutva groups and
3. There is a deliberate attempt to create tension and rifts on religious lines among students, their parents, and general citizens by targeting educational
4. In these educational institutions, the main intention is to create pressure on the management. It must be noted that it is mainly women teachers who are being targeted. Many teachers are sent on forced leave or transferred under pressure without due process or even a simple
5. Many concerned teachers/administrations have expressed the opinion that tension is being created in this manner in view of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections coming up in
6. The role of the police is not balanced. Their bias towards the majority Hindutva organizations was

The women who are part of this unique effort, WPFP are Dr. Megha Pansare, Shramik Foundation Tanuja Shipurkar, Mahila Dakshata Samithi Rehana Mursal, Meena Seshu, Sangram Sanstha Bharti Powar Seema Patil, Andha Sradha Nirmulan Samithi Smita Vadan, Muskan Sudha Patil, Muskan Pranita Mali, Maharashtra Minority Christian Development Council Anupriya Kadam, Vidhrohi Sanskritic Chalwal Kiran Deshmukh, Veshya Anyay Mukti Parishad Charushila Patil, Jijau Brigade Ranjana Patil, Jijau Brigade Hema Desai, Jijau Brigade Alka Deepak Devlapurkar, Anandi Mahila Jagruti Sanstha Jayashree Kamble, Avani Institute Pushpa Kamble, Ekti sanstha Deepa Shipurkar, Aman Foundation Alka Devlapurkar, Anandi Mahila Jagruti Sanstha Anuradha Mehta, Dalit Mitra Bapusaheb Patil Library Sarika Bakre, Swayamprabha Manch Ulka Yadav, Mahila Dakshata Samithi Ashwini Jadhav Manisha Warang-Ranmale Dr. Bharti Patil Tabsum Imran Malladi Tajnum Jameer Mole | Nasim Chikode Series Sheik Yasmin Desai Farzana Shaikh Manisha Brihaspati Shinde Meena Tashildar Shubda Hiremath Hemlata Patil Munira Shikalgar Ashwini Jadhav Malika Sheikh

The FFC also received preliminary information about the incidents from the social workers Mrs. Pranita Mali and Mrs. Seema Patil, Kolhapur.

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The post 11 educational institutions target of organised Hindutva mobs in in Kolhapur: Fact-finding team appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Shahu Maharaj, who ruled Kolhapur in the late 19^th 20th century, was a social reformer lauded for his progressive ideals.  Read Sabrangindia’s tribute to this remarkable ruler here. Dilip Ramchandra Vaze has made a tribute to him in the Marathi newspaper, Hindustan that may be read here. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj reigned over the princely state of Kolhapur for 28 years, from 1894 to 1922. His reign is fondly remembered for his relentless efforts to uplift society and promote social reforms.  He played a significant role in the eradication of untouchability by issuing a Proclamation that declared all public wells, buildings, Dharamshala, state houses, and water resources open to all, without any discrimination.

Reports from Kolhapur obtained by Sabrangindia show that thousands of people participated in the rally, organised by the Rajarshi Shahu Salokha Manch. Former Congress MLA Malojiraje Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Congress leader and MLC Satej Patil, former rural development minister and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Hassan Mushrif, Congress MLA Rituraj Patil, Swabhimani Farmers Association leader Raju Shetty, along with other MLAs, former mayors and corporators, and office bearers of various organisations participated in this rally.

The Times of India reported that Vasantrao Mulik, the national vice-president of Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh was on record saying that, “An untoward incident had taken place in the city that disturbed peace and social harmony. Therefore, to show the strength of our unity and tradition of social harmony, this rally has been organised.” Ironically however, right-wing outfits under Sakal Hindu Samaj –responsible for hate speeches in the state since September 2022 –have alleged that the Sadbhavna rally is being carried out to disrupt the law and order situation in the city

Deepak Desai, district president of Hindu Ekta Andolan to TOI said, “This Sadbhavna rally seems to have a political motive behind it. The district administration should investigate who is behind this.”

Pimpri-Chinchwad

Meanwhile the Free Press Journal has reported that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has organized a two-day program, ‘Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Vichar Prabodhan Parv-2023,’ at Sai Mandir Udyan, Sambhajinagar, in honor of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s birth anniversary. The event aimed to commemorate the life and contributions of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, known for initiatives for eradication of poverty, ignorance, superstitions and backwardness prevalent in the society.

The program began on Sunday with a guest lecture, and Monday, June 26, featured a folk songs program. All citizens are invited and encouraged to participate in these discussions, where the teachings and ideals of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj will be highlighted and celebrated.

Kolhapur

Kolhapur has had a longstanding tradition of equality and social harmony which has been upheld since the time of Shahu Maharaj. However, in recent months, there have been attempts by some individuals and organisations to disrupt social peace in the city.

Sabrangindia has reported extensively on the recent violence starting June 5, a 16-year-old minor boy from Kolhapur shared a video on his Instagram account featuring pictures of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. In the background, the Haryanvi song ‘Baap to baap rahega‘ was playing. This status quickly went viral.

The very next day, June 6, marked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation day. Hindutva organisations in Kolhapur claimed that the video “insulted” the Hindu community. By evening, members of these organisations went to the Lakshmipuri police station in the city, filed a case against the 16-year-old as well as some other minors. Many named were not even involved, reportedly. Unchecked by the administration, on June 7, these organisations called for a shutdown in Kolhapur city. The protests created a tense atmosphere and over 30,000 people gathered at the Shivaji Chowk. Stone-pelting against targeted Muslims and their shops including vandalizing them was allowed initially unchecked by the community.

At Sunday’s rally, Vijay Chormare, a senior journalist from Maharashtra, spoke about the role played by political parties in fostering this violence.

“Certain individuals have been fostering an atmosphere of hatred between Hindus and Muslims in recent days. There is significant anger and negative sentiment among the public towards the two-party government that has taken office in the state,” he said.

These parties could be functioning under the idea that such incidents are necessary for their success in the upcoming elections, the journalist said.

“During the Kolhapur riots, the state’s home minister [Devendra Fadnavis] made a rather irresponsible appearing more like a representative of a particular organisation than the people, in stating that they would teach a lesson to Aurangzeb’s children instead of promising strict action against those who disrupt law and order. It is believed that the riots started in the state due to these political motives,” he added.

Chormare further said that the riots in Kolhapur happened due to police inaction. “The police failed to stop the people who came to Kolhapur from outside, so the police, administration and government are responsible for this whole incident.”

Protest marches organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj and involving a large number of participants have taken place, accompanied by hate speech targeting the Muslim community. These marches dotted Maharashtra including Kolhapur. Over the past few months, incidents of communal riots and arson have been witnessed in cities such as Kolhapur, Akola, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Jalgaon and others in Maharashtra. 

Kolhapur is renowned for its food culture, wrestling, Kolhapuri chappals, football and Mahalaxmi temple. The city symbolises the legacy of Shahu Maharaj, and his impactful contributions to society will always be remembered. The Muslim Boarding established by him still operates in the Dussehra Chowk neighbourhood, providing education to the children of economically weak families.

Kolhapur district has been associated with the principles of equality, justice and brotherhood espoused by Shahu Maharaj. Notable figures like Govind Pansare and Prof N.D. Patil have dedicated their lives to spreading progressive ideologies among the people. However, in recent days, there is an emergence of a religious atmosphere in Kolhapur.

Shahu Maharaj a ruler of the people

In addition to a reign that was radical for his times, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj introduced a reservation policy for backward classes in 1902, reserving 50 percent of jobs in government offices for them. History tells us that artists Dattoba Pawar and Dittoba Dalvi introduced the two revolutionary leaders to each other. Their common goal to uplift oppressed communities inspired many such meetings between 1917–1921.

In 1920, they organised a conference wherein Shahu made Ambedkar the Chairman, believing that he would lead to the betterment of Dalits in India. As a token of this faith, he donated Rs. 2,500 for the other’s newly established ‘Mooknayak’ newspaper.

Other than such broad policies, he also established the Miss Clarke Boarding School for segregated groups and Vedic Schools allowing all to learn the scriptures and Sanskrit. As for adults, he started special schools for village heads to make for more competent administrators.

Under his rule, policies were implemented and people encouraged to treat each other as equal regardless of social status or caste. This meant that Dalits could use the same wells, ponds, and hospitals as Brahmins. Inter-caste marriage was encouraged and revenue collectors became democratically-elected posts rather than hereditary titles. Further, he prepared gymnasiums and wrestling pitches to preserve the sport.

For women, he legalised widow remarriage, prohibited child marriage and called for a law banning the devadasi tradition wherein girls were offered to Gods as sacrifices and then sexually exploited by priests.

These and several such efforts in social, political, educational, agricultural and cultural dimensions of society inspired the title of Rajarshi (royal saint), bestowed upon him by the Kurmi warrior community of Kanpur. His achievements lost their lustre following his demise in the turmoil of national and regional politics. Nonetheless, sympathisers and supporters of Shahu and his beliefs continue his legacy even today.

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The post Maharashtra celebrated Shahu Maharaj’s message of social justice, harmony: Kolhapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The day before, on Sunday, June 25, the Shahu Salokha Manch will be organising a Peace March in the city where different parties and social organisations will participate.

Sabrangindia has consistently reported on the recent violence perpetrated in Kolhapur, a city closely associated with the values of Shahu Maharaj and more recently with Dr Govind Pansare. Tensions had simmered in this southern Maharashtrian town, after Hindutva groups and representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), egged on by rival Shiv Sena factions sought to escalate tensions over a controversial social media post (June 6) valorising Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Despite appeals by the Muslim community and citizens not to allow one incident to spread tensions and terror between ordinary people, attempts were made to “enforce a bandh and at least two three stray acts of targeted violence against Muslims was reported. Efforts by the local police and citizens helped restore some calm on June 7.

At the time, speaking to Sabrangindia, SP Mahendra Pandit had stated that the whole town of Kolhapur was under curfew presently, peace had somehow been ensured and added that all those guilty of the bandh-instigated violence would be prosecuted. FIRs were also registered against those who attacked a Muslim vendor on June 6 and six arrests have been made.

The meeting last Friday, was held at the office of the Farmers Labour Party. City President of the Nationalism Congress Party (NCP) R. K. Powar said, everyone should come together and give a fitting response to rioters. Then participants should march to the city square and tell speak on the vision and ideals ofd Shahu Maharaj.

CPI (M) State Secretary Uday Narkar said, Kolhapur is progressive land built on the thoughts of Shahu Maharaj. There is an outcry among the people against recent communal riots (June 5-6). Dr. Megha Pansare, district secretary of Communist Party of India (CPI), Satishchandra Kamble, Vasantrao Mulik, Atul Dighe, City President Sachin Chavan of Indian National Congress (INC) , Baburao Kadam of (Peasants and Workers Party-PWP), Ravi Jadhav of Janata Dal, Bharti Powar, Dilip Pawar (CPI), Subhash Jadhav, B. L. Barge, Babasaheb Deokar also spoke. Vasantrao Patil, Dilip Jadhav, Sanjay Salunkhe, Rafiq Bhai Sheikh Dildar Mujawar were also present in the meeting.

Maharashtra has seen a spate of instigated attempts at targeted communal violence over the past two months including Ahmednagar, Shevgaon, Trikambeshwar and Nanded. The brutal killing of one Lukman Suleman Ansari near Nashik has sent shockwaves. The Nashik rural police arrested six cow vigilantes for allegedly murdering Lukman Suleman Ansari on suspicion of transporting cattle for slaughter. These accused, Pradeep Adhole alias Pappu (34), Bhaskar Bhagat (28), Chetan Somawne (26), Vijay Bhagade (26), Rupesh Joshi (39) and Shekhar Gaikwad (22), were associated with Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, founded by hate offender Pravin Togadia. The accused have been remanded to police custody until June 17 and the police are in the process of recovering weapons from the accused, reported Indian Express on June 15.

Ansari, a resident of Padgha, Bhiwandi, was earlier reported to be missing. Ansari along with Pappu Atiq Paddi (36) and Aqueel Gulam Gavandi (25) bought two cows, a bullock and a calf for Rs 18,300 from a woman in Kharegaon, Shahpur. They were transporting the animals in a pick-up tempo to Padgha in Thane district.

Kolhapur June 5-6, 2023

Reports then of a group of Hindutva inspired extremist youth thrashed a Muslim minor for reportedly sharing a social media status hailing Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. The status (social media) simply valorised Aurangzeb and Tipu and did not in any way attack another community or contain any words to offend or hurt the religious sentiments of any individual.

A video showing a mob of at least 8-10 men abusing a Muslim minor has surfaced online. Incidentally, organisations representing the Muslim community specifically wrote to the SP, Kolhapur Pandit urging that the truth behind the social media posts be established and the entire community not be held hostage.  Former corporator from the city, Adil Faras who was alleged to have been the “author” of the controversial posts clearly distanced himself from the post and has publicly asked the police to get to the bottom of who the real culprits are. SP Pandit and the IG, according to reports from the ground obtained by Sabrangindia, patrolling the streets and urging that the bandh call given by extremist organisations not be adhered to.

Following the tensions since June 6 in Kolhapur, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had in a strong statement said that the ruling party “encourages” instances of communal violence, as has been reported by the Indian Express. “Incidents of communal clashes in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur have taken place over some mobile messages. What is the meaning of hitting the streets over such messages? Today’s ruling party encourages such things. Rulers should ensure peace and law and order. But if rulers start hitting the street and create enmity among two communities, that is not a good thing for the state,” Pawar said, addressing a press conference in Ahmednagar on Wednesday morning. He also said that the tensions were a result of the ideology of the ruling dispensation at work and that this must be deplored. (Reports in ABP Marathi and Indian Express)

On June 9, a Friday, senior activists and citizens active in public life met the Collector, Rahul Rekhawar pressing the civil servant to assure that those guilty of fomenting communal tensions in the southern Maharashtra town be promptly prosecuted. While deploring the social media post (valorising Aurangzeb) that had allegedly stoked the fires, they asked the administration why the entire city of Kolhapur, especially the Muslims held hostage to this one act?

“We expect that the administration (police and bureaucracy) to be governed strictly according to the law. After the incident (of the social media post) in Kolhapur city, fuelling a ‘reaction’ how were illegal assemblies and mobs allowed to gather and terror spread?”

Deploring strongly this attempt to spread and create riots, the delegation has in a written statement released thereafter pointed out that, “This is in the city of Kolhapur, which has a tradition of religious harmony between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajshree Shahu Maharaj. The incident is condemnable.”

The issues raised by the delegation in the written memorandum submitted are:

1.        The events that took place dated on June 6 and 7, 2023 have violated the secular principles of the Constitution and the values of equality and reconciliation of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. Also according to these values administration and police more strict action is expected from them.
2.         Criminals should be prosecuted by law. But why was the entire society under siege?
3.         How could thousands of people gather in the city despite the ban? Who exactly were these people? How did they stockpile stones, bricks, glass bottles? How could the police not have an idea of this? Why was no action taken before the riots? When there was no response to the call made by the police to withdraw the bandh, why did not an urgent meeting of the representatives of both communities be called for peace?
4. By all accounts this riot seems to have been premeditated. It is the responsibility of the Hindutva organizations that called for marches and bandhs to control them. Failure to do so will cause the entire city to go through stress took The poor suffered. Why was no strict action taken against the leaders of these organizations? Why are they not being compensated for the damage?
5. It is illegal to demand the release of people involved in rioting and violence when they are arrested. On the contrary, the masterminds of this riot and the people who incited the mob to become violent by giving provocative speeches should be severely punished.
6. On June 7, at the peace meeting organised by the police and administration, the presence of the guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and representatives of Hindutva organizations was avoidable Meetings with these representatives shd have been separate from the peace meeting. When the meeting one was organized by the administration and the police, why were the office bearers of the political parties present on the stage?
7. Proper Panchnama should be prepared for computing the loss of injured and damaged people in this riot and get them immediate compensation / government assistance.
8. What plan is the administration going to implement to prevent such incidents from happening in the future? How will violent, fanatical organizations be controlled?
9. It has been published in the newspaper that a report has come to the state government that there will be systematic efforts to create such kind of riots in the state. Do you know anything about it?
10. The police and the administration should try to create harmony and harmony by removing the prejudice created by this riot in various caste-religious communities.

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The post Reconciliation conference in presence of actor, Amol Palekar on June 26: Kolhapur appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Image: Twitter
 
Kolhapur: Christians were reportedly attacked at New Life Church in Kowad, Kolhapur on Sunday, Dec 23. According the Nehemiah Christie, a human rights defender from Maharasthra, eight Christians were injured in the attack by Hindutva extremists and vehicles were also attacked.

TW: Graphic images

 
 
As more credible information is awaited, an unverified twitter account stated that during the Sunday worship service of New Life Fellowship Church at Kolhapur, around two dozen masked extremists entered the church and attacked the congregation with sharp weapons, liquor bottles and stones.
 
TW: Graphic images 

A Marathi report in Lokmat newspaper said that some 10-15 unidentified people attacked a congregation of 40 people that had gathered for Sunday prayers at one Bhimsen Ganpati Chavan’s house. It said that some 12 people were injured by the attackers who fled the scene after a crowd gathered. The witnesses claimed that they were shouting slogans “Jai Bhavani…Jai Shivaji.”

The post Newsflash: Christians attending Sunday mass attacked in Kolhapur appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Emotions were high as were the resoluteness of all of gathered at 9 a.m. to recall that awful day, a year ago when Comrade Pansare was shot at. Over 500 activists and students assembled along with Umatai Pansare, the rest of the surviving family and myself at 9 a.m. this morning. We met in remembrance and struggle.

The march then proceeded to Bindu chowk with revolutionary songs being sung along the way. Umatai Pansare and others garlanded the statues of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Jotiba Phule.

“The long march to justice and equality that was severely jolted with the killing of Mahatma Gandhi, and then again with the shooting of Comrade Govind Pansare, a year ago will continue till the ideology that kills is rooted out,” Bhai ND Patil said here today while talking to the media.

Severely criticising the lack of political will of the present Maharashtra government in getting to the bottom of the conspiracy that killed Govind Pansare, ND Patil said, “the present government does not have the will to nab the killers.”

Finally the gathering that had by now grown to over one thousand met at the Prince Shivaji Maratha Boarding College, Govind Pansare’s alma mater. The elderly principal of the Prince Shivaji Maratha Boarding College, DB Patil, who was a long time colleague of Comrade Pansare was emotional in his recollections. Over one thousand students of the school and college participated in the remembrances.

Image: Megha Pansare

It is the slow pace of the struggle for justice that is enervating and draining. The Bombay High Court, even at the last hearing of the case, used harsh words, calling the attitude of the government and the investigating agencies “a miscarriage of justice.” Yet the matter drags on. Sameer Gaikwad, the sole man arrested, who is still in jail has approached the High Court for a transfer of the trial out of Kolhapur. We, on the other hand, have asked the High Court to direct that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed in this case (with its chief in Pune, one investigating officer in Pune, another in Kolhapur) be directed to only deal with this case and not with all and sundry other responsibilities. This prayer is yet to be heard out.

Meanwhile, in the trial court, the bail for Gaikwad has been rejected at the last hearing. I (Megha Pansare on behalf of the family) have made an application for the Ballistic Report to be sent to Scotland Yard. (There were reports of the similarity of source and kind in the bullets used to kill Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburghi). The accused on the other hand has asked to be released from his isolation cell. The judge in the trial court at the last hearing has asked for a report from the jailer on the matter of Gaikwad’s state of mental health.

Image: Megha Pansare
 

The post The long march to justice: Pansare’s murder appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On February 16, 2015, exactly a year ago, Govind Pansare, a public intellectual and political academic-activist was shot at, in cold blood while on a morning walk with his wife, who also sustained serious injuries but survived.
 
Govind Pansare succumbed to the deadly bullets, four days later on February 20, 2015. Two years earlier, in August 2013, rationalist and anti-superstition activist, Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead in Pune while he was also out for a morning walk. Both these killings took place in Maharashtra. Finally, again on August 30, 2015, the former Vice Chancellor of the Hampi University and scholar MM Kalburgi was also killed with bullets aimed by a man who knocked at his door, in Dharwad, Karnataka.
 
The three killings have a chilling similarity. Serious questions about the role of the Sanatan Sanstha, an extreme Hindutva right wing, supremacist organisation have been raised and one arrest also followed. The investigating agencies in both states (which includes the CBI) have however been accused, by the surviving family members of all three leading public intellectuals, of dragging their feet over the pinning responsibility on the perpetrators and the organisations behind them.
 
On December 11, 2015, daughter-in-law of Govind Pansare, Megha Pansare had seriously questioned the role(s) and motive(s) of the Central Home Ministry when the junior minister stated on the floor of the Indian Parliament, that there was no link or similarity between the three murders.
 
In this tribute to Govind Pansare who is something of a legend all over Maharashtra –on the one year anniversary of his political assassination (shooting)–, Sabrangindia reproduces his writing/speech on ‘Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy.”  The speech was delivered in 1998, when the country was observing 50 years of the martyrdom of Gandhi.
 
The English translation of the original in Marathi was published by Sahmat, New Delhi in The Republic of Reason, 2015-The Words that they could not kill. The translation is by Dr. Uday Narkar.

Mahatma Gandhi and His Legacy

Govind Pansare
 
I remember we were once sitting talking about something in the office of an institution working for social and political education.
 
We were seized with the question, who in Maharashtra, was well qualified to officially talk on Gandhism. Some names were suggested. However, we were struck by a strange fact: There were not many commentators, who could ably speak on the subject, in the state. The office-bearers of the Congress and their ministers, sitting or former, were conspicuous in their inability to carry out this task.
 
We zeroed in on some Sarvodaya person and carried the day, somehow.
 
It was a perturbing thought. How much of Gandhism had survived? Where do we look for it, exactly? If it could not be found anywhere, why was it so? This, in fact, is a subject of a separate and deep study. But that is another matter.
 
A strange inheritor
It is not some followers in Sarvodaya or the scant persons within the Congress who are claiming his legacy. Some new elements have come forward to claim it. Sounds strange, but one must understand this phenomenon.
 
When Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a thirteen-day Prime Minister and the one who was to later to stake his claim to the post after the next general elections, was the president of the BJP, the party had officially declared “Gandhian Socialism” to be its ideology. Another leader of the party,
an expert in organizing dubious yatras on all sundry issues, Lal Krishna Advani, too displayed a massive poster of Mahatma Gandhi on the stage when he organized another yatra, this time to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence.
 
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has compiled a list of ‘venerable’ persons who qualify to be ‘remembered’ in their morning prayers. The RSS deigned to include, though as afterthought, the Mahatma’s name in that list. Apparently, these are the new inheritors of Gandhi’s legacy.
 
Sangh Parivar
 The Sarsanghachalak (chief), and other leaders of the RSS, have never tired of claiming ad nauseum. for years that the RSS was a cultural organisation and it had nothing to do with politics. The RSS was banned after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. The organisation, in a letter to the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, assured that the Sangh was a cultural organisation and it did not dabble in politics. Having procured this letter of assurance, and other assurances, the ban on the RSS was lifted.
 
However, in the recent Mahashibir (Great Camp) at Nagpur, its chief, Rajendrasingh or Rajju Bhaiyya, issued a firman (diktat) to the Swayamsevaks to do everything for the success of the BJP in the forthcoming elections. Moreover, he pronounced utterances that no cultured person would find fit to say about women, about Sonia Gandhi’s complexion.

It is the Sangh which decides who speaks, what and when. Sangh is the boss, the rest are all subsidiaries. The Sangh determines the policy; others merely implement it, so goes its style of functioning. One cannot forget what Govindacharya said recently, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee too is a mukhauta. The real leader is Advani.”
 
Well, this organisation, the RSS is now claiming Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. It is more than clear now that the RSS is the mother organisation and the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Bajrang Dal (BD), Patit Pavan Sanghatana are its affiliates or masks, mukhaute.
 
It is the Sangh which decides who speaks, what and when. Sangh is the boss, the rest are all subsidiaries. The Sangh determines the policy; others merely implement it, so goes its style of functioning. One cannot forget what Govindacharya said recently, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee too is a mukhauta. The real leader is Advani.”
 
Such is the Sangh with its mukhauta. It is now donning another mukhauta, of Mahatma Gandhi. Well, why not, one may ask.
 
Murderers and inheritors
Nathuram Godse, a Savarkarite activist of RSS, working in the Hindu Maha Sabha, murdered Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948. Nathuram, his brother Gopal, a Sangh activist himself and a co-accused in the conspiracy, and in fact all the RSS activists justified the Mahatma’s murder, which they still continue to do. The self-proclaimed Hindu Hridaya Samrat Bal Thackeray declared that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi should be brought down and in their place should be erected the statues of Nathuram Godse, ‘the true martyr’.
 
On the day of Gandhi’s murder, sweets (pedhas and sugar) were distributed in Pune and other places. Nathuram Godse was hanged on November 15, 1949, so people of the Sangh, sometime clandestinely and sometimes openly, observe this day.
 
While for the whole of the country, January 30 is Martyr’s Day. For the Sangh, it is November 15. For India, Mahatma Gandhi is a martyr; for the Sangh Parivar, Nathuram is a martyr.
 
It’s a weird thing; on the one hand murder someone, justify the dastardly act, treat the murderer as a martyr, celebrate the murder and, on the other, proclaim “Gandhian Socialism”, and display huge posters of Gandhi and remember the man in prayers every morning. How do we explain this riddle?
 
Several acts, one objective
These acts, apparently contradictory, are in fact contradictory acts to accomplish but one objective. The acts are different, the mukhautas (masks) different, the language different but the goal is one. Gandhi was not murdered for any personal motive. It was not a crime driven by personal vendetta. Those who did not like his ideology, his views, it was they who murdered Gandhi. Those who killed him had their own ideology.
 
They killed him to affirm supremacy of their ideology. Those who murdered him were neither ignorant persons nor paid assassins. They were well educated, politically conscious individuals, from families with access to quality education.
 
The then Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel himself has recorded, in a letter to Nehru (Prime Minister) on February 27, 1948 that the conspiracy to murder Gandhi was hatched by a group operating under the leadership of V. D. Savarkar.
 
Those who are curious to know more may study the sixth volume of Vallabhbhai Patel’s published letters. Gandhi’s murder was not occasioned by any contemporary event or incitement. It was not a case of Gandhi angering someone and paying the price for it.
 
He was not murdered in anger. It was a well planned and carefully executed conspiracy. The timing of the assassination was appointed. A weapon was obtained. The murderers were well aware of the consequences. It was a murder, planned and executed after a carefully planned conspiracy, recognised as such in both law and in practice.
 
Equality Vs Inequality
Except one, all the murderers belong to Maharashtra. The RSS was founded in Maharashtra. Its headquarters are in Maharashtra. Its work also began in Maharashtra. All those taking pride in the progressive tradition of Maharashtra should take note of this tradition as well.
 
All the suspects were Brahmins; all Brahmins who are proud of their “Brahmanya”, Brahminism. When the persons belonging to the castes known decreed as ‘criminal/convict castes or tribes’ resort to acts of murder or of robbery, the headlines (in newspapers) never fail to scream their caste.
 
The caste identity of upper caste criminals (Brahmins, Marathas, Jainas, Gujrathis) – when involved in conspicuous crimes — is concealed. The powerful perpetrators in most scandals, especially financial scams, are mainly upper caste people, because it is they who occupy these opportune positions. But nobody (not the newspapers certainly !) declares their caste.
 
There is a reason why the caste of Mahatma Gandhi’s murderers should be made public. Of course, they were all Brahmins. But, moreover, they believed in the superiority of the Brahmins. They practiced Brahminical culture. “However debased, a Brahmin is superior in all the three worlds,”—such is the nature of the belief they held.
 
Gandhi was against Brahminism. He was against inequality. He not only believed in equality, he followed it in actual practice. He was murdered for it.
 
Hindu–Muslim unity versus Hatred of Muslims
Mahatma Gandhi’s murderers were Hindu. They were not only Hindu but they held that Hinduism was superior to all religions. More than love for Hinduism it was the hatred for other religions, especially, Islam that was a strong and running thread, a passion common to all of them, both in thought and practice.
 
Mahatma Gandhi was born a Hindu. He believed in God and religion. But he did not believe that only Hinduism was good and other religions were worthy only of disdain. He believed in Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava. This reflected in the Bhajan that he always sang, “Allah Tero Naam, Ishwar Tero Naam”.

The murder was committed for ideology – both his and theirs. This false praise is also to further their ideology and undermine, or kill, Gandhi’s ideology. Those who killed Gandhi fifty years ago have set themselves the task now, to finish off his ideology, Gandhism.
 
He believed that true religion was to serve the poor and weak. This reflected in the Bhajan, “Vaishnav Jana to tene Kahiye”. One who understands the suffering of others, is a true
worshipper of God, held Gandhi. Gandhi’s view of religion and that of his murderers were diametrically opposed to each other. Gandhi was murdered for his view of religion. His ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ was treating Muslims with more favor, the murderers contended. This was why he was murdered.
 
Murder and False Praise: Two sides of the same coin
Now, heed this contradiction. The reasons for which the RSS is praising Gandhi are also the reasons why he was murdered. When those taking pride in the ideological legacy of the murderers begin praising Gandhi, their intentions are very clear.
 
What they wanted to achieve by murdering him, they are now further attempting with this false praise.
 
The murder was committed for ideology – both his and theirs. This false praise is also to further their ideology and undermine, or kill, Gandhi’s ideology. Those who killed Gandhi fifty years ago have set themselves the task now, to finish off his ideology, Gandhism.
 
One way of doing so is by displaying his images, remembering him in prayers and canvassing
views which are against his views in actual fact.
 
We are familiar with some shop owners who display his photograph on the wall but have indulged in crimes related to the black market…. They garland his (Gandhi’s) image every day, bow before it and then turn around, free to do their dealings: black marketing etc etc, all this, in his presence. They happily carry out their ‘business’.
 
These (older)worshippers of Gandhi and the new (RSS) worshippers who praise him but spread hatred for other religions and even murder in the name of this hatred; foment and spread communal riots as a proof of the love of their own religion, are no different from each other.
 
Gandhi murder: False reasons
“Gandhi was killed because he was responsible for the creation of Pakistan, he forced Indian Government to pay 55 crore rupees to Pakistan”. These are two of the most favorite, and patently false, reasons forwarded to justify Gandhi’s murder. It is a shrewd conspiracy. There were seven attempts made on Gandhi’s life.
 
Before the last and successful attempt of January 30, 1948, he had said in a prayer meeting earlier in the same month, “I have survived, by God’s blessing, seven attempts made on me.”
 
The first murderous attempt on him was made in 1934. There was no question of Pakistan or 55 crores rupees (to Pakistan) then. Nathuram Godse himself had tried to assault him with a knife in hand at Panchgani, Maharashtra, in 1944. Nathuram once tried to assassinate him with a knife at Sevagram in 1946. “I had brought the knife to puncture the tyre of Gandhi’s car”, Nathuram had admitted.
 
A bomb was hurled at a library in the centre of Pune city. N. R. Athawale, a Hindu Mahasabha activist was arrested for it. All these details have been recorded in the testimonies given to the Kapur Commission.
 
Save Gandhi
Those opposing Gandhi’s ideas lived then, they are living now, too. But except the extreme Hindutva elements, who spread hatred against Muslims and support overtly or covertly the ideas of inequality propounded by the Manusmruti, none of his opponents have ever tried to murder Gandhi. None tried to display his photograph on the wall while killing his thoughts (in practice).
 
Gandhism, or whatever is left of it, is in danger from these elements, which include his name in their morning prayers to hoodwink people.
 
India today needs Gandhi’s ideas of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’, religious tolerance and social equality. It is our duty to safeguard the remaining part of Gandhism and further develop it. We are observing the 50th anniversary of Gandhi’s murder this year. The forces that hate other religious faiths and support the ideas of inequality are much stronger today than they were in Gandhi’s time.
 
We, therefore, need to work more. We also need a broader unity and more intense struggle.
 

Background:
Govind Pansare joined a local branch of Rashtra Seva Dal, a local socialist group founded by Sane Guruji at a young age. Pansare was introduced to communism in at a young age. He helped the election campaign of communist candidate P. B. Kadu Patil in the assembly elections. Pansare then moved to Kolahpur district where he was joined by Patki who was a native of that district. It was in 1952, that he joined the Communist Party of India (CPI).

He was even arrested in 1962, during the Sino-Indian war, as he was a communist and was seen as a China-sympathiser. In 1964, he began practicing law, specialising in labour law. He represented various labour unions and the urban and rural poor. In 1964, when the Communist Party of India (CPI) split, he stayed with the parent party. He later became a state secretary of the CPI and a member of CPI's national executive.
 
 
Pansare has written 21 books, most of them commentaries on social wrongs. Shivaji Kon Hota? (Marathi for Who was Shivaji, 1988 ) is considered his most widely read work. It was based on a speech he gave in May 1987. It was a counter to the ideology of organisations wedded to the supremacist Hindutva ideology, especially the Shiv Sena, for whom the Shivaji has been manipulated into a Hindutva king.  Pansare said in his book that Shivaji in reality was a leader with a pluralist approach, secular in his rule, who appointed several Muslims as his generals and . He also pointed out that Shivaji respected women, abolished serfdom. The book has been translated into Hindi, English, Urdu, Kannada and Gujarati. Since its first print in 1988, the book has seen 38 editions with each print run being of 3000 to 5000 copies. It has sold over 1,45,000 copies.
 
Pansare publications:

• शिवाजी कोण होता? (in Marathi). Lokvangmay Griha.
• धर्म जात वर्ग आणि परिवर्तनाच्या दिशा (in Marathi). Lokvangmay Griha
• व्दि-वर्ण शिक्षण व्यवस्था (in Marathi). श्रमिक प्रतिष्ठान.
• मार्क्सवादाची तोंड ओळख (in Marathi). Lokvangmay Griha.
• मुस्लिमांचे लाड (in Marathi). Lokvangmay Griha.
• राजश्री शाहू वसा आणि वारसा (in Marathi). Lokvangmay Griha.
• काश्मीरबाबतच्या कलम ३७० ची कुळकथा (in Marathi). श्रमिक प्रतिष्ठान.
• महाराष्ट्राची आर्थिक पाहणी – पर्यायी दृष्टिकोन (in Marathi). श्रमिक प्रतिष्ठान.
• मार्क्सवादाची तोंडोओळख (in Marathi). श्रमिक प्रतिष्ठान.
• मुस्लिमांचे लाड (in Marathi). सुगावा प्रकाशन.

 
References:
1. Signatures of bullet cartridges point to common killers of three rationalists- It is suspected that one particular set of operatives, using two weapons, carried out the three killings.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/signatures-of-bullet-cartridges-point-to-common-killers-of-three-rationalists/

2. Govt: Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi cases are not linked, Dec 03 2015 : The Times of India (Mumbai)
http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31804&articlexml=Govt-Dabholkar-Pansare-and-Kalburgi-cases-are-not-03122015014054

3. Dabholkar’s son: Rijiju ‘misguided’ Parliament
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/dabholkars-son-rijiju-misguided-parliament/
 
 

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Bahujan politics is not new to India. Based on the reality of caste and social backwardness a (political) strategy (for organisation) appears to have been developed, based on crucial factors. While the fundamental issue behind the mobilisation was the opposition to the upper castes, the goal set included earning a share in political power. The kindling of caste identities among followers of Bahujan formations was also important.
 
(Over the past decades), this Bahujan politics has been getting considerable support. A process has been evident: the coming together of various backward castes on a strong identity and sentiment, entering the electoral fray, and thereafter, also splitting on similar grounds;  leading to the inevitable political splintering. The sense of identity of respective castes or sub-castes works as the common factor in forging unity and (causing) disunity, cohesion and dispersal.
 
The splintering of the Republican Party of India in Maharashtra is a case in point. The sub-groups within the Mahar caste are considered to be the reasons or basis behind this splintering. Dr. Ambedkar was himself defeated in the elections to the Bhandara  Loksabha constituency in Vidarbha! One main reason for this is purported to be the difference between Dr. Ambedkar’s sub-caste and that of the bulk of the voters there.
 
History
 
If we are to understand a concept properly, we need to understand its history; we should know the changes in it and the causes behind those changes. We should be able to separate circumstantial causes from subjective causes. We should be able to separate the right tendencies from the wrong ones and point to a further advancement.  To develop this kind of understanding, we need to go back to Mahatma Phule.
 
The concept of Bahujan becomes amply clear even if we map it in terms of inclusion, exclusion and opposition. Phule advanced three pivotal points (axis’) for his definition – the shudra, the atishudra and women. He opposed what he called “Shethji and Bhatji”, the  moneyed class and the Brahmin priest.
 
Phule used the language of those whom he wanted to organise. Therefore we need to understand the meaning of the words he used and update them from the present time and context.
 
Shahu, the people’s king, advanced his own concept, which is evident in his 1902 ordinance giving 50 per cent reservation in his state to backward castes. He defined the Bahujan in this ordinance as ‘all those excluding Brahmins, Prabhus and Shenvis’. The followers of Mahatma Phule established the first Non-Brahmin Party in Maharashtra and began organising non-Brahmin castes. Shahu was the leader of this movement. The formation was based on the opposition to Brahmin caste and unity of all the remaining castes.
 
Vitthal Ramji Shinde was against the division along this axis of ‘Brahmin – non-Brahmin’. We need to discuss this in detail.
 
Dr. Ambedkar founded different political parties at different times To further different objectives. His concept of the Bahujan becomes clear from the names he gave to those parties – the Independent Labour Party, Scheduled Castes Federation and the Republican Party.
 
Speaking to G. I. P. Railway Workers at Manmad in 1938 he said, “Brahminism and Capitalism are our two enemies”. One recalls Phule’s terms – Shetji and Bhatji. We must not forget that Dr. Ambedkar used Brahminism and not just Brahmins. Similarly, Phule’s terms point at the professions of those castes or classes. Shetji suggests the profession of money lending and Bhatji suggests the ‘priestly’ profession (not Brahmins, the people/individuals).
 
The first manifesto of the Dalit Panther Party takes Dr. Ambedkar’s definition further to clarify concretely his concept of Brahminism and Capitalism.
 
Kanshiram–Mayavati’s concept becomes clear from a slogan Kanshiram developed before he founded the Bahujan Samaj Party. The slogan was: Baman, Baniya, Thakur Chor; Baki sab DS4. DS4 meant Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti. Although the name of the organisation contains the word Shoshit, the exploited, the meaning of the slogan is very clear. There are no exploited, shoshit, among the Baman-baniya-Thakur castes, and if at all there are exploited among them we are not concerned with them. Everybody among the castes belonging to Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyavarnas are exploiters; none of them is exploited. If at all there are any, we are not bothered; such is this position.
 
Basing the strategy of uniting Bakward Castes (BC’s) and Other Backward Castes  (OBC’s) and opposing the rest, Kanshiram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) on April 14, 1984. The BSP is a distinct political party, especially in electoral politics. Since it uses the word, its intention of widening its base and scope becomes evident.
 
Congress, Socialists, Communists and other parties have been claiming to further politics of the downtrodden, even for the emancipation of the Dalits. They have been raising their (Dalit) issues and fighting for them. But that is a different discussion. They do not base their politics on only ‘caste’ as a unit and have never been confined to doing politics of raising the issues of the backward castes alone.
 
Vitthal Ramji Shinde’s concept of the Bahujan
 
V. R. Shinde published the manifesto of the Bahujan Samaj Paksha on September 1,  1920. In it he has defined very clearly the scope, organisation, objective etc. of this party.
 
It is necessary to explain the background of the foundation of this party. The programme of elections to the provincial assembly, which had limited powers,  had been declared. The electoral roll of the voters too was very limited. Members to general and reserved seats were to be elected. The reserved seats included a group consisting of ‘Maratha and similar castes’. There were seven seats reserved for this group in Bombay Province. There were also reserved seats for other categories.
 
There is an interesting anecdote. The elections to the Provincial Assembly were in the November of 1920. A meeting of various groups from the Maratha community was held at Jedhe Mansion in Pune. V. R. Shinde firmly declared at the meeting that “I will not contest on the reserved seat since I am against the caste system”. Actually, Shinde was Maratha by caste. But he was opposed to contest on the seat reserved for the Maratha caste. Another leader, N. C. Kelkar, a follower of Tilak, was Brahmin, but he was the editor of the journal Maratha. He claimed that since he ran a paper called Maratha he should be selected for that seat. This is an example of the typically Poona-ite logic.
 
On the other hand, Shahu’s reaction to Kelkar’s claim is typically Kolhapuri. He wrote a letter to Shinde in which he made fun of Kelkar. Shahu writes, “(I can answer Kelkar’s logic.) Suppose I name my bullock ‘Britannia’, my favourite horse ‘Turkish Flag’ and my cow ‘Japanica’ would it be proper for me to claim the leadership of Japan or Turkey?”
 
Shahu tried to persuade Shinde to contest from the reserved seat. But Shinde stood his ground, inspite of Shahu’s insistence. He contested from the general seat and was defeated. Shahu supported another candidate, one Gupte, and got him elected. This action on part of Shinde indicates his concept of Bahujan. This was already clearly defined in his manifesto of the Bahujan Party and it left no scope for ambiguity.

The concept of Bahujan becomes amply clear even if we map it in terms of inclusion, exclusion and opposition. Phule advanced three pivotal points (axis’) for his definition – the shudra, the ati-shudra and women. He opposed what he called “Shethji and Bhatji”, the moneyed class and the Brahmin priest.

Shinde founded the Bahujan Party against the background of these elections. His manifesto is actually an exposition of various ‘interests’. He pointed out that the parties and organisations founded on the basis of castes and sub-castes orient their practice towards ‘sentiments’ (identity, in contemporary parlance). Their practice was not based on their social and economic interests. The castes brought together by these parties have their respective interests, and also within the castes there are various separate interests. Yet, they unite as castes. There are sections within castes outside them which have identical interests with the sections in another caste. But there was a general tendency of ignoring these identical interests dispersed in various castes.
 
That is why Shinde wrote in his manifesto, “the Bahujan Party does not stand merely on vacuous sense of identity but on solid interests. The Party undertakes to unselfishly support and encourage those interests. . . . Our colleagues may be Brahmins or non-Brahmins, they could be moderates or extremists, and they could be even Indians or foreigners . . . as long as they honestly and strongly support these interests we would cooperate with them. Otherwise we will bid adieu to them.”
 
The breadth of vision of his Party is evident when he identifies the sections he wants to organise: “Indian populace can be divided politically in two parts. One class advanced in knowledge, wealth and authority; and the other class backward in all these respects, or, Bahujan samaj.”
 
Shinde’s division is very clear. It is not based on the varna or caste distinction alone. It is based on the possession of three powers – knowledge, wealth and authority. It is obvious that the so-called advanced castes also have sections within them which do not possess these powers of knowledge, wealth and authority. These sections also become part of Shinde’s definition of the Bahujan. This is important. Some sections within the backward castes are also acquiring the powers of knowledge, wealth and authority. These cannot be included in Shinde’s concept of Bahujan. This is the reason why he firmly rejected to be called Brahminetar – Non-Brahmin.
 
Concepts like non-Brahmin, non-Maratha are once again being advanced in Maharashtra. These words are being used to indicate castes determined by birth. As the use of caste words/descriptions have become problematic owing to the constitutional provisions, political parties are wary of using them in in their names. They try to circumvent constitutional constraints. The fact is that there are separate political parties and organisations in Maharashtra championing the sectarian interests of various castes, both advanced and backward. Once the veil is thrown open, the caste concealed within is laid bare.
 
Shinde included eight classes (varga is Shinde’s word) within the ambit of his Bahujan Party. They were:
 

 
We have noted how Shinde excluded the powerful and dominant sections among these categories from his concept of Bahujan.
 
The task ahead
 
Various parties basing on caste identities are trying to test their electoral strength even today. They are dividing society on the basis of caste and religious identities instead of uniting them around common ‘interests’. They use the names of Phule and Ambedkar. Let them do so. But they should seriously take into account Vitthal Ramji Shinde’s concept of Bahujan. If they do not find it useful, they are free to reject it. But they should reject it after serious consideration. They should reject it on empirical evidence; if it is possible to do so. My only appeal is Vitthal Ramji Shinde should not be ignored. It will not be in the interests of the Bahujans. Many do not include Shinde’s name along with Phule–Shahu –Ambedkar. This is being unjust to him.
 
(Translated from Marathi by Dr. Uday Narkar; excerpted from The Republic of Reason published by SAHMAT, New Delhi and released on November 1, 2015; we have edited the copy)

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