ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

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Articles by V BijukumarSubscribe to V Bijukumar

Dalit Sikh Settlers in Shillong

In North East India, the indigenous assertion and mobilisation of various ethnic communities often lead to the dislocation and impoverishment of the settled minority communities. The relationship between tribal communities and settled minority communities is often driven by conflicts in sharing resources and accessing political power. When the Khasis, the dominant ethnic community in Meghalaya, assert their indigenous claims over the minority Dalit Sikhs, it would displace their land and resources leading to further insecurity and impoverishment.

‘New Developmentalism’ and Left Mobilisation in Kerala

The “new developmentalism” of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala is an attempt to construct an alternative development model to the neo-liberal development. It is seen as a transition from the 1990s’ left confrontation with neo-liberal reforms, and as a convincible alternative in the globally acclaimed Kerala model of development. Even though the party reiterates its commitment to its basic class in pushing for new developmentalism, the real challenge is the quantum and levels of engagement with the Kerala model and neo-liberal development. Arriving at social and political consensus and bringing a social balance on the concerns of the marginalised and the aspirations of the emerging new middle class depend on the policies and strategies of the CPI(M).

Nuances of the Left Debacle in Tripura

The electoral and political debacle of the left in Tripura is a culmination of long-term social churning. Discontent among the tribal population as well as the divide between tribal and Bengali communities were effectively utilised by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has led to precipitous erosion of the base of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

North East India

The Bharatiya Janata Party garnered sweeping electoral gains in the North East in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Its victory run, if it has to continue, will depend on keeping its ethno-regional allies together and divert resentment against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019.

Intrigues of Indigeneity and Patriarchy in Khasi Society

Proponents of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Second Amendment Bill, 2018 see it as a mechanism to protect the indigenous culture of the Khasi tribal community. However, critics from within and outside the community are describing it as a regressive legislation which will distort the matrilineal values of the Khasi society.

Politics of Counter-narratives and Appropriation

India’s North East too has not evaded the Bharatiya Janata Party’s political strategies of appropriation of publicfigures and construction ofcounter-narratives. While the BJP is engaged in the process of appropriating Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Debbarma Manikya Bahadur into the Hindu fold in Tripura, in Nagaland, the party’s attempt is to glorify Naga spiritual leader and freedom fighter “Rani” Gaidinliu and construct a counter-narrative to Christianity to strengthen its base. In short, politics is the ultimate goal.

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