A census for a new deal

Source: The post is based on the article “A census for a new deal” published in “The Hindu” on 9th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS1 – Salient features of Indian Society

News: The article discusses the role of caste and religion in Indian politics, especially focusing on a caste survey from the Bihar government. This move is viewed as a strategy to navigate political support, while critics label it as a revival of old, divisive politics.

What is the role of caste and religion in Indian politics?

Caste and Religion Significance: Caste and religion have been pivotal in Indian politics for a long time.

Recent Development: The Bihar government released a caste survey, backed by various political parties, aiming to use historical caste structures for new political gains.

Influence on 2024 Elections: This renewed emphasis on caste and religious identity is expected to shape the political dynamics of the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Economic Disparity: Different castes have varying economic statuses. For example, only 5% of upper castes belong to the upper-middle-class segment, compared to 3% of OBCs and 1.4% of Dalits.

What is Mandal 2.0, and how is it different?

Mandal 2.0:

Mandal 2.0 is a modern political strategy that still focuses on caste.

Unlike old caste politics, it also looks at issues of class and economic status.

Address Class Issues:

It aims to help the “precariat,” a group stuck between poverty and middle-class status.

This group includes large portions of OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims.

Mandal 2.0 Different from Old Politics:

Old caste politics, known as “Mandal politics,” was often short-term and focused on electoral gains.

It didn’t make a big impact on things like poverty reduction or power structures.

Mandal 2.0 seeks to create broader political support and address socio-economic inequalities.

It seeks to utilize caste identities and alternative symbolic capital to articulate politics of upward mobility for marginalized groups.

How are political alignments shifting along caste lines?

Shift Towards Larger Caste Platforms:

Political entities, like Jats and Marathas, are moving towards broader caste platforms for more extensive political influence.

The Maratha-Kunbi quota stir, and farmers’ agitation show a trend of caste unification for common causes.

Leaders Supporting New Alliances:

Political figures, such as Sharad Pawar, are endorsing these larger caste coalitions, indicating influential backing.

Lower OBCs Reassessing Affiliations:

Lower OBCs are pondering their stance, weighing the advantages between adopting a ‘Hindu’ platform or an ‘OBC’ platform.

This reflects a strategic reconsideration within these groups regarding their political trajectory.

Impact on Political Strategy:

These adaptations in caste alignments hint at a reshaping of Indian political strategies and associations.

It suggests that different castes are exploring new political affiliations and platforms to better serve their socio-economic goals.