Right from the pre-Independence period, the untouchables throughout the country, and Bhangis in particular, have remained with the Gandhi Congress. Congress’s aim was to provide dalits socio-economic and political justice, equality, liberty and dignity of life.
Socially Bhangis are the lowest of the low, untouchable among untouchables, economically poorest and politically nowhere in the state of Rajasthan. The Bhangis expected that Congress, as party in power and saviour of dalits, will play the role of interventionist to bring about social transformation and liberate them from the shackles of bondage and deprivation based on birth. But even after six decades of independence, considerable discrimination prevails. So far, scholarly accounts of Bhangis have been few in number and limited in their coverage. This study offers a great variety of academic perspectives and a broader range of observation.
Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. The Bhangi: An Untouchable Caste. 3. Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Congress: Formation and Organization. 4. Rise and Fall of Buta Singh. 5. Discrimination of Bhangis by Political Parties and Caste Hindus. 6. Discrimination and Prejudices Against Bhangis by the Government and Other Untouchables. 7. Demand for Community Hostel and Bhawan. 8. Bhangis Cry for their Basic Needs. 9. Bhangis and Congress Veteran Leaders: Myth and Reality.10. Political Parties and Bhangi Community. 11. Liberation of Bhangis: Sorry State of Affairs. 12. Anna Movement and Aam Aadmi Party. 13. Congress Losing the Pivot.
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