Film director Pa. Ranjith on Friday stressed the need for solidarity among the Dalit and Left political forces in the fight for equality and eradication of caste.
In an interaction with the media, he said that, apart from Ambedkarite ideologies, he strongly believed in Marxism and its ability to tackle society’s problems. On concerns raised about the unity among Dalit and Left forces and the Left’s alleged inability to effectively tackle the caste question, Mr. Ranjith said he saw a healthy cooperation between the two forces across the country and expected it to continue.
On the Kerala government’s decision to restrict the use of the words ‘Dalit’ and ‘Harijan’ in official communications, he said he didn’t agree with the removal of the word ‘Dalit’ since it was not just a word, but an identity that represented nonconformity and rebellion against caste oppression.
