The caste problem in India is so profound that it has engulfed the entire society. Caste identity, based on birth, is used fearlessly to determine social hierarchy. This problem is inherently within Hindu society, and has also impacted followers of other religions in such a way that even after conversion, people are reluctant to abandon their caste. Globally, this problem exists only in the countries of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing both Hindus and Muslims. However, when caste is used in politics, it undermines the very purpose of democracy, which is political and social equality and freedom. This malady is so pervasive in society that it even confines within the caste system those politicians who fought against casteism all their lives. The most prominent figure in this context is the late Shri. One can take the example of Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was a staunch Arya Samajist in his ethos and a staunch opponent of casteism, but the web of caste-based politics reduced him to a “Jat leader.”
Since 1990, caste-based political parties have flooded Indian politics, especially in North India. Although Tamil Nadu in South India is also not immune to this malady, these caste-based parties have influenced politics in such a way that caste became the identity of a citizen voter. Politics began to be based on caste numbers, and government decisions were also viewed through this lens. The greatest harm this caused was to the thinking of the entire society, which, instead of looking forward, began to look backward and seek pride in caste. Political conferences of various caste communities began to be held, where support for a particular party’s candidate was openly discussed. However, in this context, we must consider the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities separately, because before independence, Indian society treated them like animals and considered them untouchables.
To eliminate social discrimination based on caste based on birth, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi launched a vigorous movement parallel to the freedom movement and designated members of these castes as Harijans, giving them the name Harijans, a term that would give them respect in society. Constitution-maker Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar launched a vigorous campaign to secure equal rights for Scheduled Castes and demanded separate electorates to empower them politically. Mahatma Gandhi strongly objected to this, recognizing Harijans as part of Hindu society and even went on a hunger strike to support his demand. This led to the Pune Pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar in 1932, which provided for reservations for Harijans instead of separate electorates.
This provision was incorporated into the Indian Constitution upon independence. However, in present-day India, the primary problem for Scheduled Castes is their overall development, encompassing all social sectors, from education to the present. The condition of this class of people remains deplorable despite 78 years of independence. Therefore, their organizations can be excluded from the caste framework. Babasaheb Ambedkar taught us to educate ourselves, organize ourselves, and progress. However, this principle does not apply to other castes within Hindu society, as these castes have been the ones who perpetuate oppression against Dalits and Harijans. Therefore, if these castes collectively attempt to influence politics, it would be considered a violation of the equal rights guaranteed by democracy. According to the Indian Constitution, no party can make religion, sect, or community an issue in elections, but they can mention caste-based exploitation and reiterate their commitment to a casteless society. Therefore, the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh’s decision to ban caste political conferences and prohibit any individual from ostentatiously displaying caste pride is entirely justified.
A progressive society needs to curb the narrow politics promoted in the name of Brahmin conferences, Kshatriya conferences, Gurjar conferences, or Jat conferences. While the central government has agreed to conduct a caste census, this move by the Uttar Pradesh government, while seemingly contradictory, is in favor of eliminating the caste consciousness prevalent in society. The state government took this decision in light of the Allahabad High Court’s order, which stated that caste-based rallies for political purposes are against maintaining public order and pose a threat to national unity. There is also a danger that such restrictions weaken voices calling for the elimination of caste discrimination. The Indian Constitution also guarantees freedom of expression and the right to form organizations. Furthermore, it is no less paradoxical that all the regional parties in Uttar Pradesh that are part of the BJP’s alliance are caste-based. Among these are Apna Dal, Nishad Party, and Suheldev Samajwadi Party. Along with this, the opposition had demanded a caste census at the national level, so how will the opposition parties take the decision of the Uttar Pradesh government when this is a step taken in the interest of the society.
