Caste and gender are two issues close to the heart of Sujatha Surepally, the first time contestant for Chennur reserved constituency from the Bahujan Samaj Party.
She, nevertheless, refuses to be confined to the two identities which have been haunting her since the time she entered public life. This is one reason why she chose the BSP.
“I initially considered contesting from other parties part of the ‘Maha Kutami’, but was told that they would offer me ticket from a reserved constituency, if such possibility emerged from the seat sharing adjustments. I felt uncomfortable about being reduced to my immediate identity, and decided to join the BSP. It is like homecoming to me,” Ms. Sujatha, who teaches Sociology in Sathavahana University, says.
Having been a fellow with UNHRC and Forum-Asia, and conducted international workshops, Ms. Sujatha says the tokenism associated with being Dalit woman has always troubled her.
Identity issues
“I would be constantly reminded that I was on these forums owing to my identity. Even if one has potential to speak on other issues, one is reduced to representing one’s immediate identity,” she rues.
She, however, chose Chennur owing to the presence of more Dalit voters there, numbering over 80,000, and also because she had worked there on caste and land issues earlier.
Ms. Sujatha’s decision to enter political fray is rooted in the persecution she reportedly faced from the State agencies, during her fight on Dalit issues. She is fighting three cases slapped against her after questioning atrocities on Dalits.
Most prominent was the complaint filed over an open letter she had written to the DGP questioning the decision to ban film critic Kathi Mahesh’s entry into Hyderabad.
Bridging the gap
Besides, her constant engagement with Dalit communities since formation of Telangana as separate State, over various atrocities, brought home the painful fact that all demonstrations and protests aside, justice is always encapsulated in having to approach the elected representatives and official machinery, however much hostile they were.
“It fuelled my desire to fight elections and bridge the gap between government and the movements,” she said.
Strong voice
Born in Suryapet of Nalgonda district, Ms. Sujatha began her activism as student, with Vakapalli sexual assault case, and went on to fight displacement at Polepally, illegal quarries at Karimnagar, and Polavaram Project. During Telangana movement, she emerged as a strong voice for separate State, through her writings.
Poor representation of women in legislatures too bothers her, and through her contest, she hopes to take women’s participation in politics “beyond agitating over onion and gas prices”. Chennur is highly displaced area with huge unemployment and wanting in basic facilities, she says and vows to focus on women and youth if elected.