Ram Manohar Lohia: His Political and Ideological Legacy

On March 23, marking the 115th birth anniversary of Ram Manohar Lohia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a "visionary leader, fierce freedom fighter and an icon of social justice." However, Lohia’s legacy remains largely unacknowledged beyond socialist parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, with his ideas often being misrepresented.

Misinterpretations and Distortions

• Lohia’s thoughts have been twisted by BJP ideologues, particularly his criticisms of Jawaharlal Nehru, used to advance agendas contrary to Lohia's actual beliefs.
• His "anti-Congressism" was meant as a short-term tactic, not a political philosophy. It is suggested he would advocate for "anti-BJPism" in today's context.
• Lohia’s stance on language was against the dominance of English due to its association with feudalism and inequality, not Hindi imposition.

Social Justice Approach

Lohia’s policy on social justice was inclusive and intersectional, extending beyond OBCs to incorporate Dalits, Adivasis, and women. He advocated for saptakranti, or seven revolutions, to address various forms of injustice, emphasizing gender equality as a crucial component.

• His slogan "pichhada pave sau me saath" called for a 60% quota for backward classes, which included OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis, and women.
• Lohia supported preferential opportunities for marginalized groups, including extremely backward segments among OBCs and Mahadalits among SCs.

Cultural Contributions

Lohia used cultural references to promote radical socialist politics, identifying Draupadi as an ideal of Indian womanhood due to her independence and wit.

• He saw Lord Rama and Lord Krishna as symbols of national unity, representing north-south and east-west unity respectively.
• Lohia criticized the neglect of rivers, portraying them as carriers of cultural values, a perspective that preempted ecological consciousness.

Critique of Hindu Communalism

Lohia's critique involved contrasting two figures: Vashishtha and Valmiki. The former symbolized the restrictive upper-caste Hindu mindset, while the latter represented a liberal, reformist tradition within Hinduism.

• This internal clash within Hinduism, when dominated by liberal streaks, signals national and civilizational ascent.
• The current rise of narrow Hinduism is considered a decline for India.

Lohia's Enduring Legacy

Lohia's legacy extends beyond contemporary political utility. He challenged Eurocentric Western theories while advocating for social and economic egalitarianism, paving the way for a modern political and cultural decolonization.

Though some of his ideas may require revision, Lohia's ideological contributions remain vital for defending the Indian republic today.