The statement "Social fragmentation through caste is a distinctive feature of Indian politics"
accurately reflects the significant role that caste-based identities and politics have played in
shaping post-1947 India. Here's an examination of developments revolving around caste
politics since independence:
1. Constitutional Framework and Affirmative Action:
o Reservations: The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, provided for
reservations (affirmative action) for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes
(STs), and later, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and
government jobs. This was aimed at addressing historical discrimination and
promoting social justice.
o Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: SCs and STs are specific groups
identified in the Constitution based on historical discrimination and social
exclusion. They receive reserved seats in legislatures and government jobs.
2. Mandal Commission and OBC Reservations:
o In the late 1980s, the Mandal Commission report recommended reservations
for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions at the central level.
o The implementation of these recommendations in 1990 led to widespread
protests and debates, highlighting the political importance of caste-based
reservations and their impact on national politics.
3. Rise of Caste-Based Political Parties:
o Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Founded by Kanshi Ram in 1984, the BSP mobilized
Dalits (formerly untouchables) and focused on social justice and
empowerment through political representation.
o Samajwadi Party (SP): Formed in 1992, the SP represented the interests of
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, challenging
dominant caste politics.
o Regional Parties: Many regional parties in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and
Maharashtra have emerged as representatives of specific caste groups,
influencing state-level politics significantly.
4. Caste Mobilization and Electoral Strategies:
o Political parties often use caste-based mobilization to consolidate votes,
leading to caste-based electoral strategies.
o Caste dynamics play a crucial role in candidate selection, alliances, and
electoral outcomes, influencing the composition of governments at both state
and national levels.
5. Impact on Governance and Policy:
o Caste considerations often influence policy-making, particularly regarding
welfare schemes, reservations, and development priorities.
o Governments and political parties need to navigate complex caste dynamics to
maintain electoral support and legitimacy.
6. Challenges and Criticisms:
o While reservations and caste-based politics have promoted social justice and
representation for historically marginalized groups, they also face criticism for
perpetuating identity-based divisions and hindering national integration.
o Ensuring equitable development beyond caste considerations remains a
challenge, as economic disparities often intersect with caste identities.
In conclusion, caste-based fragmentation in Indian politics has been a defining characteristic
since independence. The constitutional provisions for reservations, the rise of caste-based
political parties, and the strategic mobilization of caste identities have all shaped the
trajectory of Indian democracy and governance. While these developments have contributed
to greater social equity for marginalized groups, they also pose challenges in fostering a
unified national identity and addressing broader socio-economic disparities effectively.
