The Continuing Debate on the ‘Annihilation of Caste’: Understanding Tensions Between Ambedkarites and Communists

Abstract

‘Annihilating Caste’ is perhaps the most eminent and desirable social and political objective that has confronted progressive forces in Indian society, especially since the country’s independence in 1947.1 Among all political forces, Ambedkarites and communists have played a prominent role in seeking an end to caste-based oppression in the country and yet these two forces have failed to see eye to eye on most issues that fall in their political trajectories. The author uses a recent conversation that he had with an Ambedkarite friend on identity politics as a pretext to tease out tensions that exist between Ambedkarites and communists. Issues thrown up by the conversation have been elaborated upon in order to attain some understanding of the path that can be used to achieve the unfulfilled task of ‘annihilating caste’ to paraphrase Amedkar’s immortal phrase.