RJP reaps profits from bandh

The Dalits form a sizeable vote bank in the State. While the Scheduled Castes (8 per cent) and Scheduled Tribes (14 per cent) constitute less than a quarter of the State’s total population, Other Backward Classes form over 61 per cent. Besides, 18 seats in the Assembly are reserved for Scheduled Caste members.

The fact that the bandh, though marked by violence, was a success should make the main Opposition BJP in the State sit up and take note as it threatens to have far-reaching repercussions in the State’s caste-based politics and on the BJP’s future.

Although the Dalits in Gujarat have traditionally been Congress supporters, they had become alienated over the past five years. The demolition of the Babri Masjid, which drew a sharp divide between the Dalits and Muslims in the State, was a further setback for the party. While Muslims became disillusioned with the Congress, the Dalits took a more decisive step and switched loyalties to the BJP.

That the Dalits were a new-found vote-bank for the BJP became evident in the last general elections when over 39 per cent of Dalits were found to have voted for the saffron party.

However, with his customary political foresight, Chief Minister and RJD leader Shankersinh Vaghela did not miss the opportunity to woo Dalits after the Mumbai incidents.

Taking prompt action, Vaghela announced ex-gratia relief for the Dalits who lost their lives in the Mumbai firing. Vaghela’s second trump card was to induct the Congress into the gameplan. Both RJD and Congress agree that their main objective to free the State’s Dalits from the BJP’s clutches has been successful.