HistoryChatter enters into contemporary history in this special episode. Anirban speaks to political scientists Prof. Sudha Pai and Dr. Sajjan Kumar on the recent past and prospects of Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh. Pai and Kumar have recently published the much-acclaimed book 'Maya, Modi and Azad: Dalit Politics in the Time of Hindutva'.They argue that the Bahujan Samaj Party is probably in a terminal decline and Dalits in Uttar Pradesh now display a unique paradox of political preference for the BJP in elections and political protest against perceived atrocities under the leadership of a new generation of leaders such as Chandrasekhar Azad Ravan.They spoke in detail about how this unique transformation gradually took place since the 1990s. Finally, they argue that the multiple faces of Dalit politics are not an exception, but possibly the norm. Extension of larger political and economic processes such as globalization is one of the factors behind what they see as a fragmentation of the Dalit self which they portray as a sign of deepening democracy. Pai and Kumar make these and many more points in the course of an engaging conversation with Anirban against the background of their new book. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For advertising/partnerships send you can send us an email at [email protected]. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media DISCLAIMER: Listener Discretion Advised. The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.Ep.Log Media does not take any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the podcast. Listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.