Rise of identity politics threatens social cohesion, governance

Source: The post “Rise of identity politics threatens social cohesion, governance” has been created, based on “Et tu, Kerala? Rise of identity politics threatens social cohesion, governance” published in “Indian Express” on 30th April 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Governance

Context: Kerala has historically been regarded as a model of performance-based politics, characterised by high literacy, strong welfare systems, and accountable governance. However, recent political developments indicate a shift towards identity politics, where caste, religion, and community affiliations are increasingly shaping electoral strategies.

Nature of the Shift in Kerala Politics

1. Political mobilisation is increasingly based on religious and caste identities rather than governance outcomes.
2. Campaign rhetoric is targeting specific communities, leading to consolidation of vote banks.
3. Electoral contests are being framed in terms of communal polarisation, particularly Hindu–Muslim and intra-minority dynamics.
4. Candidate selection is influenced by their ability to mobilise specific identity groups rather than competence alone.

Role of Political Competition

1. The growing presence of the Bharatiya Janata Party has intensified competitive politics in the state.
2. Both the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front are recalibrating strategies by consolidating their respective support bases.
3. Identity-based mobilisation is seen as a more predictable electoral strategy compared to performance-based evaluation.

Role of Social and Community Organisations

1. Organisations such as the Nair Service Society and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam are playing an increasingly active role in influencing voting patterns.
2. Bloc voting based on caste and religion is becoming more visible and accepted in electoral calculations.

Factors Driving Identity Politics

1. The national resurgence of identity politics has influenced Kerala’s political landscape.
2. Economic challenges such as unemployment and inflation have created conditions for identity-based appeals.
3. Identity politics provides electoral certainty compared to performance politics, which depends on subjective evaluation.
4. Increasing political competition has incentivised short-term mobilisation strategies.

Implications for Social Cohesion

1. Identity politics risks fragmenting society along communal and caste lines.
2. It undermines Kerala’s tradition of social harmony and inclusive development.
3. Increased polarisation can erode trust between communities and weaken collective social capital.

Implications for Governance

1. Policy priorities may shift from universal welfare to community-specific appeasement.
2. There is a risk of policy paralysis as governments balance competing identity demands.
3. Developmental issues such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation may be overshadowed.
4. Governance outcomes may increasingly be judged through communal lenses rather than effectiveness.

Continuity of Performance Politics (Although Limited)

1. Welfare schemes, healthcare, and education reforms continue to influence voter behaviour.
2. However, these issues are increasingly filtered through identity considerations, reducing their universal appeal.

Challenges

1. Balancing identity representation with inclusive governance remains difficult.
2. Preventing communal polarisation while maintaining democratic competition is a key challenge.
3. Ensuring that development issues are not overshadowed by identity narratives.
4. Weakening of issue-based political discourse and public accountability.

Way Forward

1. Political parties should re-emphasise performance-based politics by focusing on measurable governance outcomes.
2. Strengthening civic awareness and voter education can reduce susceptibility to identity-based appeals.
3. Encouraging inclusive policy frameworks that address all communities without bias is essential.
4. Civil society and media should promote issue-based discourse and counter polarisation.
5. Institutional mechanisms should ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

Conclusion: The rise of identity politics in Kerala marks a significant shift from its tradition of performance-driven governance. If unchecked, it can undermine social cohesion and weaken democratic functioning. Reasserting inclusive, welfare-oriented, and performance-based politics is essential for preserving Kerala’s distinct political model.

Question: Examine the rise of identity politics in Kerala and analyse its implications for social cohesion and governance. Suggest measures to strengthen performance-based politics.

Source: Indian Express