Chapter : 4. Gender, Religion and Caste
Politics in Caste
Politics too influences the caste system and caste identities by brining them into the political arena.
Thus, it is not politics that gets casteridden, it is the caste that gets politicised. This takes several forms :
1. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it neighbouring castes or subcastes which were earlier excluded from it.
2. Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or communities and thus enter into a dialogue and negotiation.
3. New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political arena like ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ caste groups.
4. In some situations, expression of caste differences in politics gives many disadvantage communities the space to demand their share of power.
e.g. Dalits and OBC have gained better access to decision making.
5. Several political and non-political organisations have been demanding for an end to discrimination against particular caste, for more dignity and more access to land resources and opportunities.
Religion, politics based on caste identity are not very healthy in a democracy. It can divert attention from other pressing issues like poverty, development and corruption.
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