Mamata Banerjee Sets Up First Dalit Bandhu Welfare and Development Board in West Bengal
Board aims to address welfare of underprivileged community and counter BJP's outreach efforts
Mamata Makes Historic Move: First Dalit Bandhu Board Set Up in West Bengal
Kolkata, India – In a potentially game-changing move ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has established the first-ever Dalit Bandhu Welfare and Development Board. This dedicated body aims to uplift the underprivileged Dalit community, constituting 10.8% of the state's population, and address their longstanding concerns.
Uniting Diverse Dalit Groups: Historically, the term "Dalit" hasn't been widely used in Bengal, and the diverse Dalit community encompassing groups like Matua, Rajbanshi, Bagdi, and Bauri lacked a unified platform. The Dalit Bandhu Board seeks to bring them together under one umbrella, facilitating targeted welfare initiatives.
Countering BJP's Dalit Outreach: This strategic move is also seen as a direct response to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) increased focus on wooing Dalit voters in Bengal. The BJP has actively used the term "Dalit" and highlighted issues like atrocities and marginalization, attracting criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for politicizing social concerns.
Empowering the Community: The 11-member board, chaired by Dalit leader Pradip Bansfore, will spearhead efforts to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Scheduled Caste communities. This aligns with the vision of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, who championed education and rights for the backward classes.
Political Analyst Views: Political scientist Biswanath Chakraborty believes the board signifies a shift in strategy, moving beyond general "backward class" schemes to a more nuanced approach for specific Dalit groups. However, the BJP's chief spokesperson, Samik Bhattacharya, dismisses the initiative as mere political theatre, claiming it divides people based on caste.
Eyes on 2024: With the 2024 elections looming, the Dalit Bandhu Board could emerge as a key battleground. Its success in addressing long-ignored grievances and empowering the Dalit community could significantly impact TMC's electoral fortunes.
