Caste politics and it’s impact on election

Author: Shobha Tiwari, City Group Of Colleges, Lucknow

To the Point

Caste politics has been an inseparable part of India’s electoral democracy.
Caste politics in India is an entrenched reality, deeply influencing electoral outcomes, candidate selection, party manifestos, and public policy. While the Constitution of India promotes equality and prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste , And  electoral politics use caste identities, shaping voter behavior and governance priorities. The interplay between constitutional ideals and caste-based electoral strategies presents a paradox central to India’s democratic evolution.
Political parties exploit caste dynamics for vote bank politics, with reservation policies, caste-based mobilization, and caste alliances forming the bedrock of campaign strategies.
Political parties exploit caste dynamics for vote bank politics, with reservation policies, caste-based mobilization, and caste alliances forming the bedrock of campaign strategies.


Use of Legal Jargon

Electoral Representation

Reservation Policy

Affirmative Action

Vote Bank Politics

Electoral Malpractice

Constitutional Morality

Schedule caste , Schedule Tride and Other backward classes.

Delimitation

Model Code of Conduct

Judicial Review








The Proof

India’s electoral history reveals that caste identities often dictate voting patterns. Political parties, whether national or regional, consistently tailor their campaigns and ticket distribution based on caste demographics. Landmark elections—such as the Mandal Commission fallout in the 1990s, or the rise of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh—demonstrate how caste has been used both as a tool of empowerment and political manipulation.



Abstract

This article examines the entrenchment of caste in India’s electoral processes, analyzing its constitutional context, historical evolution, judicial stance, and contemporary manifestations. It further explores the tension between caste-based political mobilization and the constitutional promise of a casteless egalitarian society.
This article explores the nexus between caste and politics in India, tracing its historical roots and current implications.
Drawing from key case laws and electoral data, this paper critically reflects on whether caste politics hinders or facilitates democratic participation in the Indian republic.



Case Laws

1. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992 AIR 450 SC)

A landmark judgment where the Supreme Court upheld the implementation of 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education, reflecting judicial endorsement of affirmative action based on caste.

2. K.C. Vasanth Kumar v. State of Karnataka (1985 AIR 1495)

This case emphasized the need to reevaluate reservation policies periodically to prevent political misuse and ensure equitable upliftment.

3. Abhiram Singh v. C.D. Commachen (2017 2 SCC 629)

The Supreme Court held that elections should be free from appeals to religion, race, caste, community, or language, asserting that such appeals violate the secular ethos and are an electoral malpractice under Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

4. Ramesh Yeshwant Prabhoo v. Prabhakar Kashinath Kunte (1996 AIR 1113)

The Court disqualified a candidate for making caste-based appeals during campaigning, reinforcing the illegality of caste-based canvassing.



Main Discussion

Historical Backdrop

India’s caste system, with its hierarchical stratification, predates the Constitution. Post-Independence, the framers sought to dismantle caste-based inequities through constitutional provisions, especially Articles 15, 16, 17, 330-342. Yet, the very mechanism designed to eliminate caste—affirmative action—also institutionalized caste as a key identifier in public discourse.

Constitutional Vision vs. Political Reality

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, envisioned annihilation of caste through legal and social reform. However, caste soon evolved into a political currency. While reservation policies aimed at correcting historical wrongs, political actors began using caste as a means to consolidate “vote banks” rather than dismantle caste identities.

Caste-Based Mobilization

Caste has become a foundational tool for electoral mobilization, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Political formations such as the BSP, RJD, DMK, and AIADMK were founded on caste lines, championing the rights of backward and marginalized castes.

Even national parties like the BJP and Congress have deployed caste arithmetic to win elections—allocating tickets based on caste-wise electoral demographics and forging alliances with dominant caste groups like Jats, Patels, Yadavs, and Marathas.

Impact on Democratic Process

Caste politics presents both an opportunity and a threat. On one hand, it ensures representation and voice to marginalized communities. On the other, it fosters communal polarization, vote bank politics, and undermines meritocratic values.

Role of Election Commission and Judiciary

Despite regulatory frameworks like the Model Code of Conduct and judicial pronouncements against caste-based canvassing, enforcement remains weak. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has time and again warned parties against exploiting caste sentiments, but deterrence is often symbolic rather than substantive.

Conclusion

Caste continues to shape Indian electoral politics in powerful ways, challenging the constitutional mandate of equality. While it has empowered historically disadvantaged communities, it also entrenches identity politics, often at the cost of governance and development.
Moving toward a more issue-based political discourse requires political will and citizen awareness to rise above caste-based divisions.
A nuanced balance is needed—where caste does not vanish from political discourse but is used constructively rather than divisively. Judicial activism, electoral reforms, and increased voter awareness are crucial in steering Indian democracy toward its egalitarian promise.



FAQS

Q1: Is caste-based voting legal in India?
Ans: No. While citizens may vote based on any criteria, candidates and political parties are legally barred from soliciting votes on caste lines under Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Q2: Does reservation policy contribute to caste politics?
Ans: Indirectly, yes. While reservation aims at uplifting marginalized communities, its implementation and political exploitation often reinforce caste identities for electoral gains.

Q3: What is the punishment for caste-based campaigning?
Ans: If found guilty under Section 123(3), the election of the candidate can be declared void, and they may be disqualified from contesting elections for a period, as per the Representation of the People Act.

Q4: Can the judiciary intervene in caste-based political practices?
Ans: Yes, the judiciary can strike down elections and disqualify candidates found guilty of caste-based appeals, as seen in Abhiram Singh v. C.D. Commachen and Ramesh Yeshwant Prabhoo v. Prabhakar Kashinath Kunte.

Q5: How can caste-free elections be promoted?
Ans: Through stringent enforcement of electoral laws, voter education, reform of party structures, and promoting issue-based politics over identity politics.