Inequality Shadows the Tallest Statue: Dalits Denied Salon Access in Telangana

Telangana. The state that proudly boasts the tallest statue of Baba Saheb, the iconic symbol of equality in India, is now marred by distressing incidents of atrocities. Shockingly, Dalits are being denied entry into salons, undermining the very principles of inclusivity and justice that Baba Saheb Ambedkar stood for.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao gained immense praise for installing a 125-feet statue of Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in the Centre of Hyderabad in April this year. But in a shocking incident, Dalits of Timmapur village in Siddipet district are facing a boycott. What makes the matter worse for CM K. Chandra Shekhar Rao is that the village lies in his Gajwel constituency.

According to a report in The Hindu, Dalits in the village are not being allowed haircuts inside the salon and are being made to sit under a tree. The report, quoting sources, also states that they are barred from social events and not called for any work.

Thirty Dalit families have approached the Jagadevpur police station, complaining about insults and ridicule. Speaking to The Mooknayak, N. Swetha, Commissioner of Police at Siddipet, said, "I am aware of the case. A case has been registered, and we are investigating."

Dalit Atrocities in Telangana

The inauguration of the 125-feet tall Ambedkar Statue, which happens to be the tallest Ambedkar Statue in the world, on April 14th of this year had hogged immense limelight. The event was graced by Prakash Ambedkar, the president of Bharipa Bahujana Mahasangha and the grandson of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The event was seen as an attempt to attract Dalit Votes, something which is also visible in the launch of schemes like the Dalit Bandhu Scheme, which aims at empowering Dalit communities.

However, such measures fall flat in the face of the KCR government when we learn that atrocities on Dalits have only increased post-bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the formation of Telangana. According to NCRB Data, crimes against Dalits constituted 25-30% of the total crimes despite the fact that Dalits form 15% of the state's population. In 2016, the suicide of Rohith Vemula in the Hyderabad Central University of the state had generated a lot of anger among the Dalits.

Boycott culture: A weapon to stifle Dalit assertion and rights

The culture of boycott is a weapon that has been used several times to humiliate and punish Dalits and tribals for asserting their rights or as collective punishment for the mistake of a single individual from the community. This obnoxious culture involves boycotting Dalits from using public amenities, local shops, salons, or sometimes even schools. This system of oppression is prevalent in most of the states in India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, etc.

Madhusudan, an activist from the state of Odisha who has campaigned against the boycott culture in his state, believes, "One reason behind these social boycotts is that Dalits are gaining upward mobility and prospering because of the constitution. The boycotts reflect the caste intolerance towards the progress made by Dalits. The upper castes are also discomfited by the increasing stake of Dalits in the decision-making process, particularly in rural areas."