Karat, VS to address Dalit meet on Aug 16

The CPI(M) in Kerala, which has been under fire for introducing a controversial school textbook in a bid to make the next generation “casteless and secular”, however seems to be indulging in blatant caste politics to strengthen its base in the state. In fact, the party is planning an exclusive convention for Scheduled Castes in Kochi on August 16 and local conventions are already on across the state as a precursor to the state-level event.

According to organisers, a charter of SC rights would be released during the function by party general secretary Prakash Karat. The event, expected to be attended by one lakh SC members, would be addressed by party state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.

According to state Education Minister M A Baby, “Such exclusive conventions may become inevitable to bring the marginalised groups to the mainstream society. It is an attempt to mark their position in society.” LDF convener Vaikom Vishwan said: “The event should be seen an effort to uplift the SC communities. We have no other intention.”