B.A LL.

B
(2nd SEMESTER )
(2024)

CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT
(CASTE IN INDIAN POLITICS)

SUBMITTED BY-: SUBMITTED TO -:

TAUSIF KHAN Prof. Sandeep sir
(2023-342-138) (Contract faculty)
Department of Law
Jamia Hamdard

Date of submission- 06/05/2024

 ABSTRACT

The caste system is a big part of how things work in India. It's been around for a
really long time and plays a huge role in how society and politics function there.
Basically, caste means people are put into groups based on their birth, like
different races. This system decides a person's place in society, how much
money they have, and even who they can marry. It's a big deal in how India's
society is set up. When it comes to politics, caste has a big influence too. It
affects everything from how political parties are organized to how laws are
made. But having such a strong focus on caste can cause problems, especially
for a country trying to be united. This paper looks at how caste impacts Indian
politics and suggests ways to deal with these challenges. Keywords: Caste,
Social stratification, Indian politics and Society.
 INTRODUCTION

The caste system in India is all about which group you're born into. It became a
big deal when Hinduism started up. Some ancient texts, like the Laws of Manu,
talk about how the upper castes are better and the lower ones are lesser because
of stuff they did in past lives. They even have harsh punishments for things like
trying to learn or disrespecting someone from a higher caste. This system still
matters a lot today but for different reasons. The upper castes want to keep their
power, while the lower ones want to both use their caste for benefits and stop
the oppression from the higher castes. It's kind of a weird situation in modern
India. Originally, the caste system was meant to keep society running smoothly,
but now it's holding people back and messing with their rights. Indian politics is
influenced by a bunch of different things like culture, ethnicity, and religion,
which shapes how parties are run and what they believe. Some experts even say
India is super important in the world because of its history, huge population, and
the way it's changing politically. In developing countries like India, politics can
be about ideas or just getting stuff done. Looking at how these two types of
politics interact can tell us a lot about how things are changing. Back in the old
days, there were four main groups in society, but now the caste system has
turned into something that divides people based on birth and causes problems in
Indian society.
 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

• Look at how caste affects Indian politics.

• Check out what the Constitution says about making a society without
castes

• Give some good ideas for dealing with these issues.

 ROLE OF CASTE IN INDIAN POLITICS

1. Caste's Influence on Political Socialization and Leadership

Recruitment:
In Indian politics, caste affiliation significantly impacts political socialization
and the recruitment of leaders. From birth, individuals are associated with a
specific caste, which profoundly influences their political attitudes, beliefs, and
participation. This is particularly evident in states like Haryana, Tamil Nadu,
Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, where caste consciousness is strong. Citizens often
align themselves with caste-based ideologies and loyalties, which play a crucial
role in determining their political leanings. Moreover, caste values and interests
play a pivotal role in shaping individuals' socialization processes, ultimately
influencing their political conscience and levels of participation. Caste solidarity
often becomes a key determinant in the selection and promotion of leaders
within various political parties. This phenomenon highlights the significant role
that caste plays in both the political socialization of citizens and the recruitment
of leaders across different regions of India.

2. Caste-Based Political Parties:

The Indian party system is characterized by the presence of numerous caste-
based political parties, each advocating for the interests of specific caste groups.
These parties often emerge as a response to the perceived marginalization or
neglect of certain castes within the broader political landscape. Regional
political outfits, in particular, tend to be heavily influenced by caste dynamics.
For instance, parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All
India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu represent
the interests of non-Brahmins. Similarly, the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab
derives its support from a specific community. Caste considerations permeate
the strategies and platforms of these parties, as they seek to mobilize support
from caste-based constituencies. Furthermore, mainstream political parties also
leverage caste affiliations to secure electoral victories, with parties like the
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) targeting Scheduled Castes and the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) appealing to caste Hindus and the trading community.
 3. Caste-Based Pressure Groups:
In addition to political parties, various caste-based pressure groups actively
engage in advocating for the interests of their respective caste communities.
These groups exert pressure on the government to address issues related to
caste-based discrimination, representation, and socio-economic empowerment.
Organizations such as the Scheduled Caste Federation, Arya Samaj Sabha, and
Sanatan Dharam Sabha are examples of such groups that work towards
safeguarding the rights and welfare of specific caste communities. By lobbying
for policy changes and legal reforms, these pressure groups seek to promote
social justice and equality within the caste framework.

4. Caste and Nomination of Candidates:

The caste factor significantly influences the nomination of candidates by
political parties during elections. Parties carefully consider the caste
composition of both candidates and voters in each constituency to maximize
electoral success. Candidates belonging to dominant castes are often fielded in
constituencies where their caste holds sway, as they are more likely to garner
support from voters of the same caste. This practice underscores the importance
of caste considerations in candidate selection processes across different electoral
constituencies. Even ostensibly secular parties such as the Indian National
Congress and the Janata Dal take caste dynamics into account when nominating
candidates, reflecting the pervasive influence of caste in Indian electoral
politics.

5. Caste and Voting Behavior:

During election campaigns, caste emerges as a significant determinant of voting
behavior among Indian voters. Political parties actively appeal to caste
sentiments and identities to mobilize support and secure electoral victories.
Caste-based slogans and rhetoric, such as "jat ki beti jat ko, jat ki vote jat ko"
(meaning "Jat daughter for Jat, Jat vote for Jat"), are commonly used to sway
voters along caste lines. Voters often cast their ballots based on caste
affiliations, viewing candidates through the lens of their own caste identities.
This phenomenon underscores the deep-seated influence of caste considerations
on voting behavior in Indian elections, shaping electoral outcomes and political
dynamics at both the local and national levels.

6. Caste as a Divisive and cohesive Force in Indian Politics:

Caste plays a dual role as both a divisive and cohesive force in Indian
politics. On one hand, it serves as a basis for the formation of various interest
groups, each vying for power within the political system. This can
sometimes lead to unhealthy power struggles and division among different
groups. However, caste also serves as a unifying force, particularly in rural
areas where social interactions are limited to small geographic regions. In
these communities, caste identity is a primary social group, fostering unity
among its members. Additionally, the existence of caste groups often results
in factionalism within political parties. Overall, caste remains a significant
factor in Indian politics, simultaneously acting as both a source of unity and
division.

7. Caste and Organization of Government:

Caste significantly influences the organization of government in India,
impacting decision-making processes and policies at both state and national
levels. Even when reorganizing states, considerations are made to prevent
the undue dominance of specific caste groups in certain regions. Caste
dynamics heavily influence state government policies, with ruling parties
often seeking to appease major caste groups through their decisions. For
example, the Congress party has historically focused on nurturing support
from Scheduled Castes to secure votes. Regional political powers also
leverage caste support to further their interests and maintain their regimes.
While the Indian constitution advocates for a unified and caste-free political
and administrative system, caste remains a major determinant of voting
behavior, political participation, party structures, and governmental decision-
making processes.
8. Caste Violence:
Caste-based violence is a big problem in Indian politics. Traditional gaps
between high and low castes have led to fierce power struggles. Higher and
middle castes often intimidate and attack lower castes, especially in rural
areas. This violence isn't just in villages; it's also happening in cities,
especially in states like Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. But
mostly, caste violence is still a big part of rural politics.

CASTE AND INDIAN CONSTITUTION

The Indian Constitution has provisions aimed at creating a casteless society,

reflecting the efforts of visionary leaders. Here are some key aspects:

1. Acts & Constitutional Provisions:

• The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976
• The Prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes Act, 1989

2. Fundamental Rights:
• Article 14: Equality before the law
• Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination based on religion, race,
caste, gender, and color
• Article 16: Equal opportunities in public employment
• Article 17: Abolition of untouchability
• Article 18: Abolition of titles

3. Fundamental Duty:
• Article 51A (e): Promoting harmony and brotherhood among
citizens, and renouncing practices that demean women's dignity

4. Directive Principles of State Policy:

• Article 38: Promotion of social justice and minimizing inequalities
 • Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of
marginalized communities
• Article 330: Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes
• Article 332: Reservation of seats in State Assemblies for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes

To address caste issues effectively, mindset changes are crucial. Illiteracy

and ignorance have perpetuated the problem, hindering social progress.
Therefore, efforts to promote education and awareness are essential to bring
about meaningful change and create a truly inclusive society.

THE FOLLOWING POINTS NEED TO BE LOOKED FOR

NEUTRALIZING THE ROLE OF CATE IN INIAN POLITICS:

To neutralize the role of caste in politics, several measures can be

considered:

I. Economic-Based Reservation: Shift the basis of reservation from

caste to economic status to ensure all economically disadvantaged
sections benefit.

II. Neutral Media: Media should maintain neutrality in reporting and

avoid sensationalizing caste-related issues.

III. Elimination of Caste-Based Violence: Implement well-coordinated

efforts to eradicate caste-based violence.

IV. Withdrawal of Recognition for Caste-Based Political Parties: Stop

recognizing political parties based solely on caste affiliations.
 V. Non-Caste Politics: Encourage politicians to prioritize issues beyond
caste affiliations and focus on broader development goals.

VI. Secular Education System: Revamp the education system to promote

secular values and discourage caste-based teachings.

VII. Promotion of Community Living: Schools should organize

community meals to foster unity among students from diverse
backgrounds.

VIII. Revision of School Textbooks: Ensure school textbooks accurately

portray the caste system as a man-made construct and promote
equality.

IX. Promotion of Inter-Caste Marriage: Encourage inter-caste marriages

through incentives and special offers to foster social integration and
reduce caste barriers in future generations.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the relationship between caste and politics in India is

undeniable, with each exerting influence on the other. Caste holds a
significant place in Indian society and has permeated the political system at
various levels. However, casteism poses a major challenge to Indian
democracy, as it contradicts the principles of equality, freedom, and justice
upon which democracy is built.

Despite ideological differences, caste loyalties often overshadow other

factors and divide political parties. Election campaigns frequently revolve
around caste lines, leading to caste-based violence during polls. Politics has
become heavily influenced by caste dynamics, with caste groups leveraging
political means to secure their interests.

However, the democratization process presents an opportunity for

marginalized communities to emerge as leaders and advocate for their needs.
People increasingly seek development and demand that their voices be
heard. Political leaders must democratize themselves and prioritize
addressing the basic needs of the common citizen.

According to American political experts I. Rudolf and S.H. Rudolf, caste

politics in India has somewhat reduced caste disparities and promoted
political inclusivity among different caste groups. Moving forward, our
education system must instill values of equality and fraternity among all
citizens, fostering national unity and nation-building. Additionally, the
government must ensure that political practices are just and equitable for all
groups, regions, and communities, promoting a fair and inclusive political
system for all.