Why are you always discussing Amedkar!

Why are you both (kotravai & vasumithra) always discussing limitations of Ambedkar?

Sorry! We are discussing solution for the Annihilation of Caste System in Marxist pov to eliminate sectarianism, identity politics and anti-revolutionary elements for Organizing Working Class towards a revolution J  

Is periyar not in this equation!

Ofcourse Periyar also not enough to annihilate caste! But the difference between Periyar and Ambedkar is, Periyar is a Rationalist, Ambedkar is an Idealist!

However both consider Religion as the base / primary factor for caste system and untouchability! They fail to look into the materialistic basis of origin of Religion, Hegemony and any other form of domination, exclusion, oppression, repression and exploitation. In nutshell, STATE and its machinery as such!  Thus they limited themselves into reformism and do not provide any solution for a radical change or change of the base which holds all of the above for its profit based functioning and sustenance! This is why Marxists (if not all!) argue that Periyar and Ambedkar alone not enough! Marx is a Must!

Due to their lack of understanding of the class conflicts and the resultant socio-economic-political systems, their revolts were just addressing the superstructure without much disturbing the base of the ruling class's existence or power structure! Thus their movements were not a threat to the exploitative feudal/capitalistic mode of production!

However their revolts in terms of anti-casteist movements, intercaste marriage, property rights for women etc are of great importance and effective in challenging the private property system and its social relations to some extent. Both played a key role in exposing Brahminism and challenging its power structure. They played a key role in sensitizing people on casteism and served as catalysts in building up anti-casteist movements. Their support to few of the labour movements is to be welcomed. But both have expressed hatred towards communist movements and Marxism. The hatred that we see amongst a group of periyarists and ambedkarists against Marxism and Communism was sown by them. Though we would like to admit that it was ‘also’ due to the ‘mistakes’ of the communist movements of their times, Ambedkar and Periyar have to be held accountable for the wrong portrayal of Marxism as such. Lack of understanding of the materialist base or Marxism led them in that path.

It is in this context, during Independence movement both appealed (ofcourse in different proportions) to Capitalistic / Imperialistic forces for certain matters failing to understand that they are the ones who are tactically using the caste system and further sharpening the caste/class conflicts with their so called caste studies, census and various other colonial schemes. Colonial ‘friendship’ is not an alternate for anti-brahminical revolt!

In comparison, Periyar is far more progressive, scientific and radical in his world view and women’s question. He attacked patriarchy strongly and could be called a staunch feminist (ofcourse bourgeoise feminist).

Whereas Ambedkar is a religious reformist! Atleast later he turned so!  His beliefs are grounded in religious morals and ethics and thus reactionary! His awe of extreme purity on par with Brahminism reflects in his Buddha and his Dhamma. It ain’t different from any other religious texts that put women at the same secondary level to Men! May be in a different manner!

Ambedkar though being an economist ended up supporting Capitalism considering his prepositions as State Socialism. Periyar just with his focus on anti-brahminism resulted in supporting capitalism, though not directly; their movements did not pose any threat to Capitalism. Because of this, after their demise both could only be drawn as icons of identity politics (at different intensities) and thus, post Periyar & Ambedkar movements (a sect) pose a threat to working class solidarity and uprising. Hence we are left with a sad conclusion that Periyar and Ambedkar as icons of anti-brahminsm, anti-casteism but pro-capitalism / Neo-Liberalism! Their historical contribution in challenging the hegemony of the ruling class partially is of utmost importance and it is to be revered. We should be thankful and grateful to Periyar and Ambedkar for their tireless revolt against Brahminism/Hinduism and their selfless contribution to the Indian society. Additionaly to Periyar for Atheism and his Women’s movement. Much love to them for still being the night mare to Brahminism & Hindutva, however let us also understand their limitations. Afterall, it is much needed to realize their dreams, dream of casteless India!

*This is a micro-brief account of Periyar and Ambedkar broadly based upon their ‘world outlook’, their discourses and its limitations. However case to case we may have examples to perceive them as ‘socialists’ as well, but in essence they are not so! Should everyone be a socialist to be accepted as a leader! No! Not! But when those leaders are projected as the ‘only’ or ‘best’ solution for the problem that we are fighting for, we ought to carefully study if those leaders offer such solutions! So that we could take whatever is scientific, suitable for Change and reject whatever is not! J

Let us please try to understand the difference between Reformism & Revolution!

Let us please try to understand the difference between Social Justice Movements & Anti-Capitalist/Anti-Imperialist Movements! We are in need of the later, now!