Chandigarh: The Chief Minister himself is entering the fray to end the controversy that started after Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini called Congress leader Randeep Surjewala a Dom. For the first time in the history of Haryana, on Monday, representatives of Dalit, Dom and community will become the guests of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister will meet the representatives of the society and know about their problems and will have food with them. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala had accused the Haryana government of not purchasing paddy from registered farmers. When Surjewala presented many facts in this regard, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana countered him on the same day. After this, on November 1, on the occasion of Haryana Day, in a program in Gohana, Chief Minister Nayab Saini had called Randeep Surjewala as government doom or dom, after which Congress is calling it an insult to Dalits.
Congress is continuously cornering the Chief Minister on this issue. After Nayab Saini’s statement, Randeep Surjewala had also called him ‘an accidental Chief Minister’. Congress says that Nayab Saini is insulting the Dalit community due to arrogance. For the last three days, leaders of BJP and Congress have been cornering each other on this issue.
BJP played a big bet
To end this tussle, the Bharatiya Janata Party has played a big bet. Representatives of Doom community in Haryana will reach the Chief Minister’s residence in Chandigarh on Monday and greet Chief Minister Nayab Saini. The Chief Minister will talk to the people and know their problems. Not only this, the Chief Minister will also have food with the representatives of Doom community. This will be a big counterattack by the Chief Minister on Congress after the casteist controversy arising out of political rhetoric in Haryana.
Who is Dom?
Different states have different definitions regarding doom. In ancient times, Dom was a caste of drum players. According to Tantra Shastras Dom was engaged in the business of singing and music. Some of these used to propagate the policies of the ruler among the public. Some went against the grain and preached against the ruler. In ancient and historical beliefs, they were considered the lowest untouchable caste of Dalits. Their traditional occupation was cremation of dead bodies. They were prohibited from wearing gold and silver jewellery. They also had to serve as palanquin bearers, but were prohibited from using palanquins at their weddings.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Social Justice Expert Dr. Priya Rao
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Rao. Thank you for joining us today. We are here to discuss the recent controversy in Haryana, where Chief Minister Nayab Saini referred to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in a derogatory manner, linking it to the Dalit community. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
Dr. Priya Rao: Thank you for having me. This incident sheds light on the deeply entrenched social prejudices that continue to exist in Indian politics. The term ‘Dom’ has historically been used in a derogatory manner, and using it to insult an opponent is not just disrespectful but also perpetuates caste-based stereotypes.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. And what impact do you think the Chief Minister’s comments will have on the Dalit community and their representation in politics?
Dr. Priya Rao: The comments can be incredibly damaging. For many in the Dalit community, being labeled in such a way reinforces a sense of marginalization. It can discourage political participation and representation among Dalits, especially if political leaders continue to use caste as a tool for derogation rather than empowerment.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to note that, in response to this controversy, the Chief Minister is hosting representatives from the Dalit and Dom communities for a meal. Could this gesture signify a positive change?
Dr. Priya Rao: It’s certainly a step in the right direction that the Chief Minister is engaging directly with these communities. Genuine dialogue is essential for addressing grievances. However, the longevity of any positive change hinges on sustained efforts beyond photo ops. It must include actionable policies that uplift marginalized groups.
Time.news Editor: And how do you view the role of political opposition, like Congress, in this scenario? Do you believe they are using this incident effectively to highlight social issues?
Dr. Priya Rao: The opposition has a duty to hold the government accountable, especially on issues of social justice. By calling out the Chief Minister’s comments, they are not just defending Randeep Surjewala but are also advocating for the dignity of the communities involved. However, it’s crucial for the opposition to align their criticism with their own policies and actions that promote equality and justice.
Time.news Editor: This incident is part of a larger narrative in Indian politics surrounding caste dynamics. How do you see this evolving?
Dr. Priya Rao: The dynamics around caste in Indian politics are complex and fluid. While there’s been progress in some areas, there’s still a long way to go. Political leaders must understand that their words hold power and can reinforce societal divisions. We need to foster a political culture that respects diversity and promotes inclusivity, rather than one that exploits caste for electoral gain.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rao, for your insightful analysis. As the situation develops, I’m hopeful that discussions like these will contribute to a deeper understanding of how caste impacts political discourse in India.
Dr. Priya Rao: Thank you for having me. Open dialogues like this are crucial in challenging the status quo and striving for a more equitable society.