Caste issues have become increasingly pivotal in shaping the political narrative of India, particularly as the country braces for the 2024 elections. Politicians are grappling with complex socio-political dynamics, where the caste census is at the forefront of public discourse. One figure at the heart of this discussion is Rahul Gandhi, who has managed to redirect attention toward the caste census, challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
According to Ashutosh, co-founder of SatyaHindi.com, Gandhi has embraced the cause of caste census, especially during the Karnataka assembly elections, and he has raised demands for the Modi government to reveal data on the socio-economic profiles of all castes. Gandhi argued, "The caste census is necessary to uplift marginalized communities left behind since independence." Initially resisted by the Modi government, the caste census has now become unavoidable, reflecting the aspirations of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits and raising questions about traditional party unification efforts rooted deeply in caste.
Remarkably, the RSS has acknowledged the necessity of the caste census for welfare purposes, if not political ones. This admission has smoothed over some previous obstinacies, as it is now clear to many political leaders, including those within the NDA, the electoral consequences of ignoring the demands of such significant population segments.
The parliamentary debates surrounding this issue are heated. Recently, representatives from parties within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including JD(U) and NCP, criticized the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc for their current posturing on caste census.
JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, speaking during these discussions, pointedly reminded Congress members of the party's past failures. "I was present at the INDIA bloc meeting when Nitish Kumar ji said caste census should be brought. Congress people remained silent and did not say anything," he remarked. This raises questions about consistent political narratives and historic accountability among opposition figures like Congress.
Mayawati, leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has also made significant statements recently, asserting her party’s commitment to social justice, transcending caste line dynamics prevalent among major political groups. During her address, she emphasized her insistence to represent and uplift all segments of society across religious and caste lines. She stated, "The Central or state government might try to misguide the Muslims, but I will also work for Muslims...". Her firm stance has painted the BSP as the only party steadfastly avoiding caste-based maneuverings for political favors.
Critics from within the NDA have also taken aim at Congress for its historical handling of caste issues. NCP's Praful Patel questioned the opposition's credentials, stating, "Independence was not brought about by one person, but by many, including Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev," insinuated Congress's narrative was overly simplified and misleading.
The larger significance of these discussions extends beyond mere party politics; they reflect societal tensions associated with caste issues, which have historically influenced India's social fabric. Today, the conversation invites wider scrutiny of caste dynamics, particularly as issues of social mobility and economic equity take precedence on the national stage.
Art and cultural expressions also play their roles, highlighting the historical struggles against caste oppression. For example, exhibitions like Sajan Mani’s explore these themes via historical references and critiques of the caste system. Mani's work examines the legacy of oppression suffered by marginalized groups, recontextualizing their narratives for contemporary audiences.
By using mediums connected to his upbringing and the histories of those oppressed, Mani embodies the efforts of artists responding to the broader issues of socio-economic disparities rooted deeply within systemic caste hierarchies.
These strong narratives, both political and artistic, suggest the caste census and related debates on social justice remain unresolved within the collective psyche of Indian politics. The exchanges among political leaders signal the importance of these conversations as integral to the democratic process, emphasizing the significance of maintaining spaces for dialogue, even if challenges persist and society remains fragmented along caste lines.
While the BJP has attempted to fortify its narrative, the counter-narratives embraced by parties like Congress and the BSP hold potential for mobilizing constituencies around the reality of caste identities and inequalities. The interplay between political strategy, community sentiments, and historical narrative continues to shape this election season, reaffirming the need for thoughtful engagement with India's diverse social fabric as it relates to power, privilege, and representation.
