Comrade Ahilya Rangnekar: An Intrepid Revolutionary

 

Comrade Ahilya Rangnekar: An Intrepid Revolutionary

Dr. Ashok Dhawale

July 8 marks the birth anniversary of Comrade Ahilya Rangnekar, one of Maharashtra's and India's most fearless women revolutionaries.

Ahilya Rangnekar was born on July 8, 1922, in Pune. Her father, Trimbak Ranadive, was a progressive who supported the social reform movement led by Mahatma Jotirao Phule and other stalwarts, actively opposing discrimination based on religion, caste, or gender. Influenced by her elder brother B. T. Ranadive, a leading figure in the Communist movement, Ahilya completed her schooling in Pune and Thane and joined the B.Sc. course at Fergusson College, Pune, in 1942.

Plunge into the Freedom Struggle

On August 8, 1942, the Quit India movement began, and the next day, the entire Congress leadership was imprisoned. Ahilya led a protest rally in Pune with several other girl students, resulting in their arrest. In jail, they made a makeshift national flag using sarees and hoisted it on the jail premises, leading to an extension of Ahilya's jail term and her rustication from Fergusson College. She later completed her graduation at Ruia College in Mumbai. Ahilya was an excellent student, sportsperson, actress, and singer, winning several medals and awards.

In 1943, she joined the Communist Party and dived into the freedom movement and the struggle of working-class women. She formed the Parel Mahila Sangh, which led successful struggles of women textile workers. This organization later evolved into the Shramik Mahila Sangh and eventually the Janwadi Mahila Sanghatana (AIDWA).

In 1945, Ahilya married Pandurang Bhaskar Rangnekar, a prominent student leader in Mumbai who later became a Maharashtra state secretariat member of the CPI(M). He was a mentor to many, including myself.

One of the most chilling incidents in Ahilya’s life occurred during the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) revolt in Mumbai in February 1946. While the Congress and the Muslim League refused to support the revolt, the Communist Party fully backed it. Ahilya played a crucial role in supplying food to the naval ratings. She faced British bullets during a brutal crackdown, while her comrade Kamal Donde was martyred, and her sister Kusum Ranadive was injured.

Leader of the People

After independence, Ahilya was deeply involved in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement in the 1950s. The movement, which demanded the formation of the linguistic state of Maharashtra with Mumbai as its capital, saw 106 workers and peasants martyred. Ahilya mobilized many women for the cause, facing jail and police brutality.

In 1961, she was elected as a Municipal Corporator of Mumbai and re-elected until 1977 when she became a Member of Parliament. Ahilya tirelessly raised issues faced by slum populations and became immensely popular among them.

During the India-China conflict in 1962, she was imprisoned for advocating a negotiated solution to the border dispute. She remained in jail for three and a half years from 1962 to 1966. After the CPI(M) was formed in 1964, Ahilya fought against left sectarian trends within the party.

When CITU was founded in 1970, Ahilya took a keen interest in building it in Maharashtra and was soon elected as one of the state vice presidents. She played a significant role in the All India Co-ordination Committee of Working Women, which strengthened the activities and leadership of working women.

In 1975, Ahilya opposed the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi and was detained for 19 months. She played a prominent role in the 1977 parliamentary elections, winning a seat from the Mumbai North Central constituency with a big majority.

At the 10th Jalandhar Congress of the CPI(M) in 1978, Ahilya was elected to the Central Committee of the Party, a position she held for 27 years until 2005. She was also elected state secretary of the CPI(M) in Maharashtra from 1983 to 1986, the only woman to hold this post so far.

Ahilya was one of the founders of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) in 1981 and served as its vice-president, working president, and later patron. She was also the Maharashtra state president of AIDWA and remained active in both AIDWA and CITU.

Despite her failing eyesight, Ahilya participated in campaigns and struggles against the policies imposed by the World Bank and the IMF, as well as communalism, casteism, and gender oppression.

The passing of her husband P. B. Rangnekar in 2008 was a significant loss. A year later, on April 19, 2009, Ahilya passed away at the age of 87, having devoted 67 years to the Communist Party. Thousands mourned her at her funeral.

A Remarkable Human Being

Ahilya was known for her dedication to helping people. She often visited Mantralaya (Secretariat) in Mumbai, where Chief Ministers and Ministers stood up in respect when she entered. Despite her simplicity and austerity, she commanded immense respect across political lines for her integrity and sacrifice.

Her conviction in Marxism-Leninism, her love for the country, and her dedication to the people and the Party were unparalleled. Ahilya was a model example of a Communist leader, and her memory continues to inspire.

Long Live Comrade Ahilya Rangnekar!

**Red Salute to Comrade Ahilya Rangnekar on her Birth Anniversary!**