Is Left Wing Still Relevant? Subhashini Ali ’s Take on Right Wing Surge, Caste System & Communism

In this episode of LRC, shot in collaboration with the Nainital Literature Festival, our festival partner, we are joined by Subhashini Ali , member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), former President of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, and former Member of Parliament from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The conversation explores the evolving realities of Communism in India, the deep-rooted challenges of the Caste System , and the ongoing clash between Left Wing and Right Wing politics. She also shares her sharp criticism of KK Venugopal, particularly regarding his silence on majoritarianism at his book launch, and reflects on her family’s legacy - how her parents, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal and Lieutenant Colonel Prem Sahgal, shaped her journey into communism and activism. We discuss attempts by the right wing to appropriate figures like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose, why such efforts remain contested, and whether communism has declined in India despite retaining strength in Kerala. The conversation also examines the role of institutions like JNU and bodies such as the UGC in shaping political narratives, and whether the 2024 elections mark a turning point or signal deeper constitutional shifts, raising important questions about how history is being interpreted in contemporary India. We also discuss her political roots, family background, and her role as King Ashoka’s mother in the film Asoka. 00:00 - Montage 02:24 - Introduction 03:05 - Subhashini Ali on KK Venugopal staying silent as majoritarianism grew 11:32 - Becoming a Communist 25:09 - Has Communism failed in India? 32:54 - War of the Worlds: Iran, Israel, Palestine 35:30 - Bhagat Singh & Subhas Chandra Bose: Why the Right can’t claim them 40:00 - The UGC controversy 42:56 - The 2024 elections and their impact on Indian politics 44:29 - Rewriting India’s past: reshaping history 50:53 - Subhashini Ali’s family background and political roots 55:15 - Playing Ashoka’s mother (Shah Rukh Khan) in Asoka 57:08 - What kind of future awaits India? 58:49 - Conclusion From profound conversations to explosive discussions, uncover stories that matter. Be part of ideas that could potentially change the way you think and perceive the world around you. Welcome to Basic Funde Clear, the home of Dialogue, Discussions & Discourse! Follow us on:- Instagram:-   / basicfundeclear   Facebook:-   / basicfundeclear   Twitter:-   / basicfundeclear   Subscribe now for a diverse mix of engaging content: Left Right Centre Smart, witty, and downright fun—conversations with Nitin Sukhija are always a blast!    • Left Right Centre (LRC)   Batkahi On Batkahi, meet the people who have shaped Lucknow into what it is today, and celebrate the city’s adab and tehzeeb.    • Batkahi   Qisson Ki Kitab Embark on a journey of captivating stories and life lessons.    • Qisson Ki Kitab   Janhit Mein Jaari Explore pressing social issues and their impact on society.    • Janhit Mein Jaari