Dalits and the left

Most electoral candidates have swept the issue of untouchability under the carpet.

As a candidate through the proportional representation, I am in the midst of electioneering in the foothills and mountains of my home district, Gorkha. I have been appealing to the masses of this historic place to support the party I am affiliated with. Besides seeking political support, this has been a fantastic opportunity to learn and to get an update on the empirical situation of society, particularly of the Dalit community. What I saw was remarkable changes in many areas, but hardly any change in the practice of untouchability. Here is a reflection of some of the major findings from this hectic yet critical journey.