Caste System and Indian Politics

[seema]

India is a country with traditions and history. We were an economic success saga over centuries and had always attracted foreign traders in lieu of our products and services. Our economic success depended a lot upon the structure of society which was based on specialization of tasks performed by each class of society. This gave birth to caste system which is deep rooted in our society since the time of its existence. Ever since then our society has been divided into oppressed and oppressor. Where the oppressors still haven’t come out of the feudal mindset, the oppressed still feel that they haven’t been compensated enough for the atrocities borne by their forefathers. These emotions still play very important role in present time politics. In our country there are a number of local leaders who claim to have mastered a vote bank of a particular caste, and a number of times we can find whole political parties with caste based vote bank. What makes the matter more complex is the presence of sub-castes within the castes, and self proclaimed representatives of all those clans. Although caste is predominantly a dividing system of society but since the time of independence it has proved to be a boon for weaker sections. Since caste system is mainly a system developed for smooth economic functioning, the lower castes were the ones economically and socially weaker too. These groups of society went unrepresented for a long period in politics and thus had no voice or power and were repressed whenever they tried to raise their voices.

When our country got free constitution makers were very much worried about giving everyone equal rights in society, and for this they went for the system of one person one vote, thus handling the oppressed castes right to choose their own representatives. Thus these castes got representation and their concerns were taken care of which gave a feeling of empowerment. Caste based politics has caused big ripples in Indian politics. At the time of V.P. Singh government when he tried to implement the recommendations of Mandal commission a lot of suicides among students were reported all over the country. In some sections of our society Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was chairman of drafting committee of our constitution is considered equivalent to god ,as he was from a backward caste and he fought his way up to the topmost positions in society and accommodated equal rights for all the sections in society and provision of reservation in our constitution.

Caste based politics although creates a certain degree of dissatisfaction amongst some, but truth is that a lot good has come out this as all the sections of society are exploring themselves. A slight discrimination against one caste makes headlines in newspapers and creates ripples throughout the political circles. We can say that now people from lower caste enjoy the most hassle free life since the dawn of our society and enjoy equal opportunities walking side by side with upper caste.

 

[orange]

India do not have a successful trade saga. It is some individuals from India who were successful. Again there were many people who had to lose something because of the success of some other people.

The basic flaw of democracy is that the majority wins. Caste based reservations were to make sure that minority gets some helping hand in the process of development.

So caste based reservation is essential but caste based politics is not healthy. Reservations are meant to uplift the downtrodden communities/groups it would enhance their status and restore them back to the mainstream society. Whereas political parties formed on the bases of particular caste or that has caste based agendas is a threat to the national harmony.

 

[Student]

Indeed! The caste system of indian politics has helped a lot in bringing up the downgraded life of socially backward class. But how long can we survive on such a system? There are many vulnerabilities and loop holes in the system which makes the politicians exploit it for their personal gains. How do we stop it?

 

[bharat]

Caste system is still prevalent in Indian Society and politics is not an exception. In my view, caste system should be completely abolished as it is violation of Article 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution, which are denoted as Fundamental Rights. Caste system in politics has been existing since the time of Independence. It was introduced in order to provide equality among both the backward class and the general class; however, with passing time this seems to be creating discrimination and dissatisfaction among people. in my opinion, it should be completely abolished and everyone should be given equal status in every aspect and politics is no exception.