For years, India’s caste system which divides the majority Hindu community, has defined regional politics. Take a look at how the caste system has defined politics in Uttar Pradesh.

Agra

India's caste system, a deeply ingrained societal structure that divides the majority Hindu community, continues to shape the political landscape, particularly in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Despite the proximity to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra, a city known for its booming footwear industry, reveals the stark reality of caste-based disparities. Workers like Om Prakash, who hail from communities ranked low in the caste hierarchy, often find themselves in low-wage occupations, earning between $70 to $90 a month.

Historically marginalized, Dalits, previously referred to as untouchables, have faced societal exclusion and been relegated to roles such as cleaners, manual scavengers, and cobblers. In an effort to ameliorate these conditions, the Indian government has instituted reservations for jobs and educational seats for Dalits. However, according to Om Prakash, the situation has deteriorated under the current BJP government, with reductions in employment opportunities for those in the reserved categories.

Dalit communities, which constitute about 20 percent of Uttar Pradesh's population, are a significant electoral group whose voting patterns are often influenced by caste considerations. They seek leaders who are attuned to their needs and who work for the populace's benefit. Yet, there is a widespread perception that political parties, including the BSP, Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, engage with these communities primarily during election periods.

Since 2017, the BJP has held power in Uttar Pradesh, a tenure marked by an increase in crimes against Dalits as reported by India's National Crime Records Bureau. The BJP is accused by opposition parties of fostering divisions among Indians along religious and caste lines. The Congress party advocates for a nationwide caste-based census to facilitate corrective measures, a proposal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dismissed.

The enduring significance of caste in Indian political mobilization underlines the challenges faced by individuals like Om Prakash and their families, who aspire for improved living and working conditions. The caste identity remains a pivotal factor in the mobilization of voters, underscoring the complex interplay of politics and social hierarchy in India.



India’s identity politics: Political parties exploit caste equations

Not far from the famous Taj Mahal in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, there's a thriving footwear industry in the city of Agra. It employs millions of people like Om Prakash, who earns about $70 to $90 a month. He belongs to a community that falls at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. For centuries, the Dalits, who were once known as untouchables, have endured social isolation and forced to work as cleaners, manual scavengers and cobblers. So as part of a decades-old effort to improve their lives, the government has reserved jobs and education seats for them. But Om Prakash says under the governing BJP, opportunities have declined. Since BJP has come to power, the employment opportunities in the reserve category has gone down. They keep saying they will eradicate poverty, but it seems they will eradicate the poor. The community that includes the Dalits forms a crucial voting bloc, accounting for 20 percent of the state's population. They often vote on the basis of caste, hoping their leaders will address their needs. The public wants a leader who is connected to the masses and works for the benefit of the people. Don't give me the name of any BSP leader who is helping the people. It's the same with the Congress and the Samajwadi Party. We see them only during the election season. The BJP has governed the politically crucial state since 2017. Under its rule, there's been a rise in crimes against Dalits, according to India's National Crime Records Bureau. The opposition alliance accuses the BJP of dividing Indians along religious and ethnic lines. The Congress says if it's elected, it will ensure a nationwide caste-based census to implement corrective action. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected the idea. Because the identity of the caste remains a very, very important aspect of mobilization of the people. And people find it a ready-made group in which they can go and mobilize. I think caste has remained the important fulcrum around which Indian politics still revolves. For many Indians like Om Prakash and his two children, who also work in a shoemaking factory, they want their leaders to improve their living and working conditions.

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