Question

Briefly discuss the adverse role of Casteism in Indian Politics.

Answer 1

Caste has played an important role in transforming the social and political conditions in India.

1. Caste and political socialisation: Caste has affected the choices of the electors significantly. Voters prefer to vote for the representatives belonging to their castes.
2. Caste and Party Politics: Some of the political parties like BSP, AIADMK and Akali Dal have received support from a particular caste at a significant level that has helped them in becoming prominent in those regions.
3. The leaders of the political party are selected according to the caste dynamics of a region.
4. The allocation of portfolios in a government especially in states is done following the caste.
5. Sometimes for citizens, the preference of leaders is based on their castes rather than development. This is not good for democracy and development.