Growing concerns over the consolidation of political power and resources in the hands of a select few and the systematic exclusion of historically oppressed groups from public discourse, development, and democracy
NEW DELHI – In a significant move to forge solidarity among the country’s marginalised communities, a diverse group of intellectuals, civil society activists, and representatives of Dalit, OBC, tribal, and religious minority communities met here on Friday and launched a new civil society initiative aimed at resisting the growing tide of communalism, authoritarianism, and economic marginalisation under the current BJP regime.
The meeting was convened amid growing concerns over the consolidation of political power and resources in the hands of a select few and the systematic exclusion of historically oppressed groups from public discourse, development, and democracy.
Speakers at the event emphasised the urgent need for unity among the 85% of India’s population—comprising Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Adivasis, Muslims, Christians, and other marginalised groups—against what they termed “communal, Manuwadi, and fascist forces” attempting to divide the country along religious and caste lines.
“This is not just a political call, but a social and moral responsibility,” said Dr Udit Raj, a prominent Dalit leader and former parliamentarian. “We have seen how the upper caste-dominated leadership has aligned itself with communal forces. We must now create our own leadership and solidarity among the marginalised to save democracy and the Constitution.”
“The current regime and its ideological affiliates are not just attacking individuals—they are attacking the very idea of India as a diverse, secular, and democratic republic,” said Dr Raj. “Our Constitution guarantees equality, dignity, and justice to all. But today, only a few privileged sections are controlling resources, dictating narratives, and deciding who belongs and who doesn’t,” he added.
“It is no longer just a matter of politics. It is a matter of survival for the majority of India’s population,” emphasised the former lawmaker.
Challenging Economic and Institutional Capture
Participants decried the increasing corporatisation of national wealth, arguing that public resources, jobs, education, and business opportunities are being systematically handed over to a small group of crony capitalists aligned with those in power.
“The rampant privatisation of government assets is not just economic policy—it is social exclusion,” said Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, former civil servant and president Zakat Foundation of India. “We must view this economic dispossession as a continuation of the social injustice we have historically faced.”
“This is not merely a political crisis—it’s a moral and civilisational crisis,” said Dr Mahmood. “The socio-political contract of this country is being rewritten without the consent of its marginalised communities. The silence of the state and complicity of the media have normalised atrocities.”
He warned that the privatisation of national wealth, destruction of public institutions, and unbridled media propaganda have pushed millions into joblessness and despair. “The bulldozer politics and criminalisation of dissent are all designed to silence the voices of the poor, the backward, and the minorities,” said Dr. Mahmood, who was also associated with the famed Sachar committee.
The speakers argued that media, political institutions, and government bodies are now controlled by the same nexus of power, leaving no space for the marginalised to voice their concerns or participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
Civil Society Must Lead
Participants underlined that institutions of democracy—from Parliament to the judiciary to the media—are now largely captured by a Brahminical-capitalist nexus, which promotes majoritarianism while excluding the aspirations of the Bahujan masses.
Historically, social and cultural movements in India have been led by upper caste individuals and groups, speakers noted. However, they pointed out that in the current political climate, these groups have largely aligned themselves with Hindutva ideologies, making it imperative for civil society from among the oppressed communities to assume leadership.
“Dalits, minorities, backward and tribal people must take charge of their future,” said Sardar Ajmer Singh, a veteran activist. “We cannot depend on those who have always benefited from our exclusion to lead us out of oppression.”
New Campaign for Social, Cultural Solidarity
One of the key resolutions of the meeting was to promote inter-community bonding through practical and symbolic means, such as shared meals, joint celebrations, and collaboration in business ventures, to build trust and solidarity among diverse marginalised communities.
“Social trust is our biggest weapon,” said Qayamuddin, another activist. “Only when we stand together can we resist hate and build a society based on justice and equality.”
The campaign aims to become a nationwide movement, culminating in a large national gathering scheduled for June 15 at the NDMC Auditorium, Jantar Mantar in the national capital, where representatives from across the country are expected to participate and endorse the collective agenda.
Questioning the EVM System
Another point of concern raised at the meeting was the continued use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. Several participants noted that even developed countries have phased out EVMs due to transparency issues and potential manipulation.
“In a democracy, trust in the electoral system is paramount. When doubts persist, the system must be reviewed,” said Advocate Shahid Ali. “We demand a return to ballot papers to restore public faith in democratic processes.”
A Moral Responsibility
Speakers called upon all non-political citizens’ groups, students, professionals, and cultural collectives to come forward to defend the Constitution and democracy. “When democracy is under threat, neutrality is not an option,” declared Bhante Sumit Ratan. “History will not forgive those who stood silent while tyranny thrived.”
Strong Representation, Broader Message
The message was clear that India’s oppressed and marginalised communities will no longer wait for justice. They will organise, mobilise, and lead a new civil society movement to reclaim their rightful place in the democratic and constitutional framework of the country.
Despite short notice, the event saw significant participation from activists, legal professionals, educators, and religious leaders.
Among the prominent attendees were Syed Mahmood Akhtar, Sardar Ajmer Singh, Dr Anthony, AP Khan, Adv Shahid Ali, Bhante Sumit Ratan, Adv Satish Sansi, Irfan Baig, SM Shakeel, Naved Khan, Faiz O Hashmi, Usman Khan, Hakeem Jamaluddin, Rev Prakash Bishop, KS Rannot, Waseem Farooq, Sadhu Singh, Liaquat Ali, Mahendra Singh, Aman Wilson, Rajkumar Kataria, and Mohammad Javed.
