The BJP's Caste Roll: Is It a Resurgence or a Merit-based Governance?

Since 1952, when the first general election was held in India, the Congress party has been a dominant force in the political landscape. It has primarily relied on a combination of forward castes, Dalits, and Muslims, successfully securing victory. Post-Independence, this political strategy appeared unshaken until the backdrop of changing social dynamics and electoral compulsions. One notable instance was during Indira Gandhi's leadership, when caste-based politics became even more pronounced. However, the introduction of Janata Party in 1977, which included candidates like Jagjivan Ram, brought about a temporary disruption in this pattern.

A Shift in Political Dynamics

By the 1980s, the rise of various caste-based political parties in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab was significant. These parties capitalized on caste divisions, asserting dominance for around 15 to 25 years. While it is tempting to attribute the current situation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), such an assertion requires a reevaluation of historical context and the nuances of political alliances and governance.

BJP and Caste Politics: A Modern Perspective

Contrary to the belief that the BJP's victory will necessarily lead to a resurgence of caste-based politics, an examination of the party's leadership and governance efforts suggests a different narrative. The appointment of chief ministers and other state-level leaders post-election reveals a more merit-based approach rather than a strictly caste-based one. Close scrutiny of the BJP's cabinet and leadership positions reveals a significant influence of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), indicating a broader commitment to inclusiveness.

Regionally Dependent on Caste

It is often the case that regional parties heavily rely on caste affiliations to secure votes. However, this does not necessarily overshadow the BJP's broader approach. For instance, the strategy employed by regional parties like Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh remains deeply rooted in caste politics, despite the BJP's recent victory. These parties have a vested interest in maintaining and exploiting caste-based voting patterns to secure power.

Conclusion

The resurgence or mere continuation of caste politics is not solely a function of the BJP's governance. While caste-based parties in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to thrive, the BJP's leadership shows a distinct shift towards merit-based appointments and governance. This trend, combined with the broader socio-economic context, suggests that the BJP is likely to move towards a more inclusive and merit-based approach to governance rather than merely relying on caste-based strategies.

Keywords: Caste Politics, BJP, Caste-Based Parties