Role of Caste in Politics

Presented by Group 6 Cyrus Berne R-11-02 Sagar DevarkerR-1106 Oswinda GomesR-11-17 Sahil NerurkarR-11-23 Rincy JohnsonR-11-31 Mohammad AyazR-11-36

Contents
Introduction Caste and politics power Clientelism Caste Politics in Different States Role of Caste in Indian Politics Positive role of caste in Indian Politics Negative role of caste in Indian Politics Some political parties formed on the caste basis Impact of Caste on Electoral Behavior

Introduction
Caste - social group, membership is decided by birth Members avoid entering marital relationships

Hindu tradition owes origin of caste system

Brahmin sprang from the mouth of deity Kshatriya -created from his arms Vaishya -created from his stomach Sudras -rise from the feet

Used in rural areas - parties find it easier to mobilize support

Present political system encourages-means of mustering support

Politicians mobilize caste groupings in order to organize their power

Caste and political power

Influence over peoples access to power

Upper caste groups benefit more

New political parties claim to represent lower castes

Clientelism
Politics in India highly depended on patron-client Different political parties represent different caste groups People are asked to vote for their caste candidate and casteism is maintained The upper castes -interests Congress Party Middle class -Jats vote for competing parties

 Many political parties indulged in caste based Congress party used vote bank to maintain power Competing parties constructed vote banks to challenge Selection of the candidates-based on whether he will get support of a particular caste or castes

Caste of those recommending a candidate plays an important role

Caste Politics in Different States:

In Andhra Pradesh caste politics is reflected the Kammas and Reddys In Haryana Jats form the dominant political force In Karnataka the battle between two dominant castes Lingayats and Okkliga In Maharashtra the caste politics is played amongst three castes Marathas, Brahmins and Maha

Role of Caste in Indian Politics

Influenced the policy-making of the government

Important role in elections and voting

Influences formation of council of ministers and making appointments to various political positions

Positive role of caste in Indian Politics

Caste associations emerged -aim of pursuing not only social status and economic interest but political power

Negative role of caste in Indian Politics

Politicians use the issue of caste to divide voters Large castes have become important pressure groups Groupism in rural politics

Some political parties formed on the caste basis

Rashtriya Janata Dal Samajwadi Party Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Bahujan Samaj Party Congress party

Janata Dal

Impact of Caste on Electoral Behavior

Electoral politicsdistribution of tickets during elections based on caste and vote banks

Selection of the candidates for a constituency is based on whether he will be able to get the support of a particular caste or castes

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