Dalit Democratic Movement for Alternative State

The Dalit movements are dominated by their middle class, raising issues related to identity and reservations about government jobs and political positions. There is a widespread local-level assertion against the practice of untouchability and discrimination. Their struggles have brought Dalits to the agenda of mainstream politics. In academic circles, the movements have forced a section of intellectuals to critically review not only Indian traditions and culture but also the paradigms of modernity and Marxism. They have exploded the number of myths created by Brahminical ideology. The Dalit movements have also successfully built a lot of pressure on the ruling classes. However, several scholars and activists feel Dalits have been reduced to a pressure group within mainstream politics.