A+| A| A-
A New Politics of Caste
Caste has never been a relevant category in the politics of West Bengal. That has now changed with the political assertion of the Matua Mahasangha which represents the organised voice of the Namasudras.
Caste is a legacy of the feudal system and viewing the social scene from the casteist angle is no longer relevant for West Bengal.
– Jyoti Basu (1980)1
I shall work for the Matuas as long as I am alive. I was moved when baro ma told me how her people were being looked down upon as most of them belonged to lower castes. I do not believe in casteism and have no problem if people call me low-caste. I have instructed the railways to fill up all posts for SC/ST immediately.
– Mamata Banerjee (2009)2
Dear Reader,
Or
To gain instant access to this article (download).
(Readers in India)
(Readers outside India)
