Subaltern Hindutva and the crucial social justice test 

1. The Emergence of 'Subaltern Hindutva'

• The entry of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India has played a pivotal role in reshaping the BJP's image, elevating it as a party representing the socially marginalized Hindu masses.
• This phenomenon is now conceptualized under the term 'Subaltern Hindutva.'
• The recent electoral support from diverse social groups indicates its success in broadening its political base.
• It has emerged as a dominant political force in North Indian states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh. Notably, these states exhibit a demographic composition where the populations of OBCs, SCs, and STs surpass the national average.
• Over the last two decades, and has effectively mobilized these groups through innovative political strategies and cultural events curated to resonate with diverse segments of society.
• Despite the success in garnering support, the actual benefits of economic development and political changes seem to be disproportionately controlled by conventional social elites.
• This has led to concerns about the passive role of Dalit-Bahujan masses, relegating them to peripheral spectators in the rapid ascension of the right-wing political spectrum.
• With the impending general elections scheduled for the next year, it is imperative for the BJP to address the issues of social discrimination and economic injustice more sensitively.
• Recognizing the diverse needs and aspirations of the marginalized communities that have contributed to the party's electoral strength should be a priority.
• This approach aligns with the broader goals of inclusive governance and equitable development.

2. The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies

The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) is a prestigious Indian research institute dedicated to the social sciences and humanities. Founded in 1963, it has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and understanding of contemporary India and the developing world. Here's a breakdown of the CSDS:

Mission and Focus

• • Democracy and politics: Elections, political parties, social movements, and governance.
  • Social inequalities: Caste, class, gender, and other forms of marginalization.
  • Economic development: Poverty, inequality, and the impact of globalization.
  • Culture and identity: Religion, language, art, and media.
  • Urbanization and environment: Challenges and opportunities of urban growth and environmental sustainability.

Key Achievements

• CSDS has produced groundbreaking research on crucial issues like caste and class in India, contributing to significant policy changes and social discourse.
• CSDS provides fellowships and training programs for aspiring researchers, fostering the next generation of social scientists.
• CSDS actively engages with the public through public lectures, media outreach, and partnerships with civil society organizations.

Significance and Impact

• CSDS is recognized as one of the leading social science research institutions in India and the global South.
• CSDS research has informed policy decisions on issues like affirmative action, electoral reforms, and rural development.
• CSDS encourages critical thinking and informed debate on social and political issues, contributing to a vibrant public sphere.

3. Mobilization Strategies for Dalit-Bahujan Masses

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strategically devised a multifaceted approach to mobilize the Dalit-Bahujan masses, focusing on general welfare measures, reservations for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and the curation of emotive narratives. While these strategies aim to foster support among marginalized social groups, they also raise questions about substantive issues like land distribution and representation in power.

• Its first front involves implementing general welfare measures aimed at benefiting marginalised social groups. This includes the provision of freebies, loan waivers, and policy benefits geared towards women. Additionally, the government ensures the delivery of basic amenities, such as free food grains, to the economically disadvantaged, without explicit identification based on caste.
• It alleges that dominant OBC castes, particularly Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have exploited social justice policies. To address this, the party advocates for a special reservation quota for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). This strategic move seeks to rectify perceived injustices within the OBC framework and garner support from EBCs.
• The engagement with the lower strata involves the curation of emotive narratives about their history, icons, and caste pride. This is achieved through various religious events and cultural fronts influenced. The party strategically utilizes cultural elements to establish a connection with the Dalit-Bahujan masses, fostering a sense of identity and pride.
• Despite these strategies, certain substantive issues remain conspicuously absent from the mainstream discussions within its 'Subaltern Hindutva' approach. Key concerns such as substantive land distributions for landless communities, representation of Dalit-Bahujan groups in high echelons of power, and their equitable participation in neo-liberal economic growth as major stakeholders are not adequately addressed.

The recent release of Bihar's Caste Survey report sheds light on the persisting economic challenges and social insecurities faced by the worst-off social groups, particularly Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). While the 'Subaltern Hindutva' strategy has contributed to electoral victories, it falls short in addressing critical issues of poverty, social backwardness, and landlessness faced by marginalized communities.

• The survey underscores the precarious economic conditions and social insecurities faced by EBCs and Dalits in Bihar, reflecting a broader national concern. The engagement with these issues remains limited, with few resolutions offered to contest prevalent challenges.
• Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have demonstrated a willingness to promote leaders from subaltern groups, marking a shift toward the democratisation of top political positions. However, these initiatives must be complemented by effective policies for empowering and integrating marginalized social groups into economic development and social change.
• As historically disadvantaged sections move towards the BJP, the party must undergo a social justice test. In states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where Dalits and Adivasis constitute nearly 40% of the population, their political representation remains disproportionately low. EBCs, too, are neglected in the distribution of political assets, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance.
• To pass the social justice test, They should ensure the emergence of an influential class among Dalits and Adivasis as leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the economic sphere. This directive aims to move beyond conventional welfare packages, positioning these communities as essential components of neo-liberal economic development with equitable shares in urbanization, industrial production, and technological advancements.
• They should implement more policy directives and affirmative action policies to facilitate the emergence of a Dalit-Adivasi class as influential participants in the global economy. This shift will redefine their role from passive recipients of state welfare to crucial influencers, contributing significantly to global economic development.

5. Democratization through Subaltern Inclusion

The influx of subaltern social groups into the BJP holds immense potential to reshape India's political landscape. Their presence could:

• Subaltern voices may counterbalance its existing narrative, pushing for a more inclusive and tolerant discourse.
• Influenced by marginalized communities, the state might prioritize policies addressing inequality and fostering a fairer political environment.
• Subaltern inclusion could nudge towards progressive reforms, acknowledging historical injustices and evolving social needs.
• Adivasi perspectives could lead to policies prioritizing environmental conservation and respecting their cultural ties to nature.
• Promoting subaltern leadership could create a more diverse and representative political landscape.

6. Conclusion

The potential democratization through the inclusion of subaltern social groups marks a transformative phase in Indian politics. If realized, this shift could not only reshape the party's rhetoric and policies but also contribute significantly to a more inclusive, tolerant, and socially just democratic landscape in India.