Recently, there has been extensive debate on a call by renowned filmmaker and activist Pa. Ranjith for elected Dalit leaders to step forward and voice their concerns against the injustices facing the community. He made this call during a protest rally demanding justice for the deceased BSP leader K. Armstrong, revealing the plight of Dalits in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Story: Avani Kulshreshtha
Edit: Nitya Kaimal
On July 5, 2024, some men disguised as food delivery agents brutally murdered Armstrong, the state president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu and an Ambedkarite leader. Among other things, Armstrong had actively campaigned for education, and had been active in the Ambedkarite Buddhist Movement. The police have hinted that his murder could be a revenge killing related to the elimination of gangster Arcot Suresh in 2023. Nevertheless, his followers believe that there is more to it than that. Consequently, fifteen people have been apprehended so far concerning this case, including M. Anjalai, a former BJP member. She had previously served as BJP’s Mahila Morcha functionary, besides being an associate of the late criminal Arcot V. Suresh. She has been accused of handing over Rs 10 lakh to one of the arrested assailants in the Armstrong murder.
Also read: Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong’s murder accused killed in police encounter : Police said
Ranjith, who is known for his films that look at Dalit politics expressed his anger on Dalit representatives’ lack of collective action which should have been aimed at changing their condition. He bashed leaders for their inability to coalesce around a common agenda that can address system failures that impact. Ranjith noted that political party pressures could be responsible for inaction, even though there are reserved seats meant to guarantee representation of Dalits.
Neelam Cultural Centre organised a rally that was attended by several groups, including Dalit organizations and other human rights groups. However, VCK founder Ayya Thol. Thirumavalavan ordered his party members not to participate. This decision has brought up questions regarding why certain priorities exist within political organizations and how far they are willing to safeguard their interests rather than discuss community matters concerning vulnerable individuals.
Ranjith’s speech during the rally was a poignant reminder of the responsibility that Dalit leaders have to their community. This he asked because why such leaders like Mayor of Chennai R. Priya and Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Kayalvizhi Selvaraj had failed to publicly demand justice for Armstrong. He told them to appreciate pioneers such as Babasaheb Ambedkar who through his work has made it possible for them to be in their current positions, and not allow politics to take away their voices.
Also read: ‘Honour Killings’: Lower caste man beheaded in Tamil Nadu over attempted inter-caste marriage.
Ranjith’s call for action brings out the critical necessity for the political release of Dalit leaders and speaking against injustices, from which the voices of their community can be heard, and its rights protected. More important is K. Armstrong’s murder, which critically underscores the urgency of this demand by serving as a brutal reminder of threats faced by Dalit leaders and activists as well as persisting systemic questions.
Ranjith’s rally underscores the need for a proactive stand by the Dalit leadership towards addressing material inequality and violence experienced by their people. It demands solidarity, bravery and unwavering commitment to justice; it speaks to enduring legacies exemplified by individuals like Ambedkar whose dream for an equal society has fuelled activism in support of Dalits’ human rights today.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
