CASTE CENSUS IN INDIAN POLITICS
In India, the caste census is a contentious political topic. It is viewed as a crucial electoral topic and a potent tool in the opposition parties’ arsenal against the alliance headed by the BJP. The general elections of 2024 are predicted to be heavily influenced by caste identities.
In 1931, the final caste census was carried out. The only caste census data currently available covers Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and it spans the years 1951 to 2011. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up around 16.6% and 8.6% of India’s population, respectively, according to the 2011 census.
For many years, caste politics have been an important and intricate part of Indian politics. In India, the caste system is a social hierarchy that divides individuals into different groups according to where they were born. It has historically had a big impact on people’s access to resources, occupation, and social standing. The caste system still has an impact on politics and other facets of Indian culture.
The following are some salient features of Indian politics depending on caste:
- Reservations and Affirmative Action: In order to support historically underprivileged and marginalized populations, the Indian Constitution has provisions for affirmative action. Reservations are made for Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Scheduled Castes (SC) in politics, employment, and education. Election politics are significantly impacted by these reservations.
- Caste as a Foundation for Political Mobilization: Indian politicians frequently utilize caste as a foundation for voter mobilization. They create coalitions and political parties that serve particular castes. This is referred to as identity politics or caste-based politics.
- Political Parties Based on Caste: A number of political parties in India are either primarily focused on serving a certain caste or have a caste-based identity. Parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) enjoy substantial support from the Yadav community, whilst the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is well-known for emphasizing Dalits.
- Caste as a Voting Factor: During elections, voters frequently take the candidates’ castes into account. This results in caste-based voting, which can significantly affect the results of elections.
- Political parties frequently join forces with other parties to build wide coalitions based on caste. These coalitions are created in order to combine the support of different caste groups and increase their chances of winning elections.
- Caste Census: There has been discussion and disagreement regarding the possibility of holding a caste-based census in India. While some contend that gathering data based on caste is necessary to carry out affirmative action programs successfully, others are worried that it will further solidify caste differences.
- Difficulties: Caste-based politics has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, they may strengthen marginalized populations and advance social justice. It can maintain divides and obstruct the growth of a society that is more egalitarian and inclusive.
It’s crucial to remember that caste is not the only factor defining Indian politics. Other elements that are important in determining the political dynamics of the nation include philosophy, religion, regional identity, and economic concerns. The political landscape in India is multifaceted and diversified, with caste politics being just one aspect of it.
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Author- DEVYANI KUNWAR a student at NLC, BHARTI VIDYAPEETH DEEMED UNIVERSITY, PUNE
