Introduction
Caste has long been a defining feature of Indian society and politics. Although the Indian Constitution outlawed caste-based discrimination and attempted to create a more egalitarian society, caste continues to play a crucial role in political mobilization, representation, and policy-making in contemporary India. From elections and party strategies to welfare schemes and social justice movements, caste identities and affiliations have shaped—and been shaped by—the dynamics of modern Indian democracy.
Objectives of the Study
- To examine the role of caste in contemporary Indian politics.
- To analyze how caste-based mobilization affects democratic processes and governance.
- To explore the intersection between caste, electoral behavior, and political representation.
Methodology
This research report is based on a review of literature. Four scholarly articles and two books have been reviewed to analyze different dimensions of caste politics. The selected works are recent and focus on post-2000 developments in Indian politics.
Literature Reviewed
- Jaffrelot, Christophe (2003). “India’s Silent Revolution: The Rise of the Lower Castes in North India.”
- Yadav, Yogendra (2000). “Understanding the Second Democratic Upsurge: Trends of Bahujan Participation in Electoral Politics in the 1990s.”
- Shah, Ghanshyam (2010). “Caste and Democratic Politics in India.”
- Deshpande, Satish (2018). “Caste and Politics in Contemporary India.”
Understanding Caste in Politics
Caste in Indian politics can be viewed through two main lenses:
- Caste in Politics: How caste influences political behavior, party formation, elections, and leadership.
- Politics of Caste: How political processes impact caste identities, social structures, and the discourse on inequality.
Caste is used as a tool for political mobilization, where parties appeal to specific caste groups to consolidate votes. At the same time, caste movements have pressured the state to introduce affirmative action, reservations, and welfare schemes.
Key Findings from Literature
1. Rise of Lower Castes in Politics
Jaffrelot (2003) documents how lower castes, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs), emerged as powerful political players in North India. Through parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), OBCs mobilized politically to claim representation and influence governance. The Mandal Commission recommendations and their implementation in the 1990s were turning points.
2. Bahujan Participation and the Second Democratic Upsurge
Yadav (2000) identifies a significant shift in Indian democracy where marginalized groups began to participate more actively in politics. He refers to this as the “second democratic upsurge.” Scheduled Castes (SCs) and OBCs began to assert their rights through the ballot, often aligning with parties that promised representation and justice.
3. Caste-Based Political Parties
Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), SP, and RJD were built on caste identities. They provided a platform for historically excluded communities. However, over time, these parties also exhibited internal contradictions, such as elite capture within castes and the marginalization of intra-group minorities (e.g., Dalit women).
4. Caste Coalitions and Electoral Strategy
Political parties often form caste-based coalitions to win elections. Terms like “social engineering” are used to describe how parties balance caste combinations. For example, the BJP’s strategies in Uttar Pradesh have included alliances with non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits to counter the influence of SP and BSP.
5. Role in Policy Making
Caste politics has influenced policies such as reservations in education and jobs, caste-based census, and targeted welfare schemes. Political demands from caste groups have also led to agitation for inclusion in OBC lists (e.g., Patidars, Marathas, Jats).
6. New Forms of Caste Assertion
Caste assertion today includes cultural pride, symbolic representation, and online mobilization. Movements such as the Dalit Panthers and Ambedkarite activism have found new expression through social media.
7. Caste Violence and Social Polarization
Caste-based mobilization sometimes leads to social tensions. Incidents of violence, discrimination, and exclusion persist, especially in rural areas, showing that political representation does not always translate into social equality.
Case Study 1: Dalit Politics in Uttar Pradesh
The BSP, under the leadership of Kanshi Ram and later Mayawati, transformed Dalit politics in UP. By consolidating the Dalit vote bank, the BSP became a formidable political force. The party also attempted to form alliances with Brahmins and Muslims, creating a unique caste coalition. However, critics argue that while symbolic representation improved, grassroots issues like education, land, and employment for Dalits saw limited change.
Case Study 2: Patel Agitation in Gujarat
In 2015, the Patidar (Patel) community in Gujarat demanded reservation under the OBC category, despite being traditionally dominant. This movement revealed the changing nature of caste politics, where even dominant groups feel economically and politically insecure. The agitation led to political realignments in the state and forced major parties to rethink caste equations.
Discussion
Caste continues to be relevant in contemporary politics, but its nature has changed. Earlier, caste was a basis of exclusion; now, it is also a means of mobilization and empowerment. While political representation of lower castes has improved, structural inequalities remain. Moreover, the increasing use of caste in political calculations raises concerns about tokenism and social fragmentation.
Conclusion
Caste remains a critical factor in Indian politics. It influences voter behavior, party strategies, and policy outcomes. While democratic processes have opened up space for marginalized castes, challenges like intra-caste inequality, identity politics, and caste-based violence persist. The future of caste politics lies in balancing representation with inclusion, identity with development, and justice with harmony.
References
- Jaffrelot, C. (2003). India’s Silent Revolution: The Rise of the Lower Castes in North India. Permanent Black.
- Yadav, Y. (2000). “Understanding the Second Democratic Upsurge.” In Transforming India, Oxford University Press.
- Shah, G. (2010). Caste and Democratic Politics in India. Permanent Black.
- Deshpande, S. (2018). “Caste and Politics in Contemporary India”. Economic and Political Weekly.
- Guru, G. (2011). “Understanding Caste Politics Today.” Seminar Journal.
- Chandra, K. (2004). Why Ethnic Parties Succeed. Cambridge University Press.