This story is from December 1, 2018

Congress declares Kasganj dalit groom a role model

Congress declares Kasganj dalit groom a role model
Kasganj groom Sanjay Jatav
LUCKNOW: Kasganj groom Sanjay Jatav - who challenged the several decades old monopoly of dominant castes over the right to carry out a wedding procession - earlier this year, is being projected as a young dalit leader in the Congress party.
The 27-year-old law student was the first dalit in his village, Nizampur, to ride a horse-drawn buggy in his wedding - something which was considered to be the right of resident Thakurs only.
In April 2018, Sanjay rose the matter with the local administration but got no relief. Thereafter, he sought relief from the Allahabad high court which passed an order in his favour and directed the government officials accordingly.
Sanjay found mention in Congress party's plan and official circular to associate with dalits through a special campaign called 'samvidhan to swabhiman abhiyaan' which was launched on November 12. In the section on 'development of new dalit leadership', the circular directed party workers 'to be on the look for people like Sanjay Jatav of Kasganj' who have become a role model for others in their community.
Developments around his wedding have turned Sanjay into a celebrity. Better known as 'dalit dulha', Sanjay has been felicitated by several organisations. Reacting to Congress Party's view for him, he said, "this is good news."
Sanjay has also decided to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, either from the reserved seat of Hathras or as a general candidate from Etah parliamentary seats. It is evident that he has kept his options open. While he holds the primary membership of Bahujan Samaj Party, he is open to any invitation from Congress. "I am unhappy over how BSP leaders reacted when I approached them for help for my wedding," Sanjay said.
Besides projecting young dalit leaders, the Congress Party's dalit outreach programme includes starting sub-district, block, ward and locality wise dalit units across UP. It prescribes on the need for non-violent society, extend support to dalit students by supporting students in need. The party has directed National Students' Union of India to start special campaign to bring dalit students to their units.

The plan - to be implemented in five phases - also includes engaging with dalit women and farmers and providing legal aid to them. In addition, the Congress has also organised an online essay competition the results of which will be declared on republic day. The 90 day campaign is expetced to culminate into a big rally in February 2019.
Political experts view Congress effort was a need of the hour keeping 2019 in mind. "For over 40 years (1947- early 1980s), dalits have voted for Nehru, Indira and the Congress. The rise of caste politics gave them options. Till date, voting pattern adopted by dalits is crucial to elections which compels all parties to rally behind them. The big elections are not far," said one of them.
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About the Author
Shailvee Sharda

Journalist with the Times of India since August 2004, Shailvee Sharda writes on Health, Culture and Politics. Having covered the length and breadth of UP, she brings stories that define elements like human survival and its struggle, faiths, perceptions and thought processes that govern the decision making in everyday life, during big events such as an election, tangible and non-tangible cultural legacy and the cost and economics of well-being. She keenly follows stories that celebrate hope and life in general.

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