Caste Religion Politics During Election
Source: The Hindu
GS I: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
Overview
- News in Brief
- Caste Religion Politics During Election
- Way Forward
Why in the News?
Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission (EC) has directed political parties, especially star campaigners, to maintain decorum while campaigning and refrain from making appeals based on caste or communal politics or making false statements, which can mislead voters.
News in Brief
- In an advisory issued to all political parties on Friday, the EC cited previous examples of such indirect violations using known methodologies to avoid strictures under the model code of conduct (MCC) and conveyed that stern action would be taken against direct or indirect MCC violations.
- The advisory comes days before the schedule for elections to the Lok Sabha and four State Assemblies is expected.
- The MCC comes into elect with the announcement of the poll dates.
- No aspect of the private life, not connected with the public activities, of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised.
- The political parties and leaders shall not make false statements and utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters.
Caste Religion Politics During Election
Indian politics often revolves around caste and religion due to several historical, social, and political factors deeply embedded in the country’s fabric.
Reason for Caste Religion Politics
- Historical Context
- Caste has been an integral part of Indian society for centuries, with a rigid social hierarchy dividing people into different groups based on birth.
- Despite efforts to eradicate caste discrimination, it persists in various forms, influencing social, economic, and political dynamics.
- Social Dynamics
- Caste and religion play significant roles in shaping identities and affiliations in Indian society.
- People often vote along caste and religious lines, driven by a sense of solidarity and perceived shared interests with their community.
- Political Exploitation
- Politicians often exploit caste and religious sentiments to consolidate vote banks and secure electoral victories.
- They strategically align themselves with specific caste or religious groups, promising to address their concerns and safeguard their interests in exchange for political support.
- Vote Bank Politics
- Caste-based parties and religious organizations have emerged as influential players in Indian politics, mobilizing support from their respective communities.
- Political parties frequently indulge in appeasement politics, offering preferential treatment or incentives to certain castes or religious groups to secure their loyalty.
- Electoral Dynamics
- In a diverse country like India, where communities are fragmented along caste and religious lines, political parties find it advantageous to appeal to specific demographics to secure electoral victories.
- Consequently, caste and religion become dominant factors in electoral strategies and campaign rhetoric.
Efforts to Reduce Caste Religion Politics During Election
- Electoral Reforms
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced several electoral reforms aimed at mitigating caste-driven politics.
- These reforms encompass stringent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, regulations on hate speech and incendiary rhetoric, and supervision of election spending to deter the exploitation of financial resources for political gain.
- Educating
- Various efforts have been made to educate voters about the importance of choosing candidates based upon their qualifications, capabilities, and policies rather than their caste affiliations.
- Promotion of Secularism
- Emphasizing secularism and inclusivity in political discourse and policymaking can help mitigate the influence of caste and religion in elections.
- Political leaders and parties advocating for secular values prioritize unity and equality over divisive identity politics.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- The Supreme Court entertains PILs filed by concerned citizens or organizations seeking intervention to address issues related to caste and religion-based politics.
- These PILs often lead to judicial directives or guidelines aimed at curbing divisive practices and promoting inclusive governance.
Way Forward
- While caste and religion continue to influence Indian politics significantly, addressing these issues requires comprehensive societal and political reforms.
- Promoting inclusive policies, fostering inter-caste and inter-faith dialogue, and ensuring equitable representation in governance are crucial steps toward building a more cohesive and progressive society.
- Moreover, there is a need for political parties to move beyond identity-based politics and focus on addressing broader developmental issues that benefit all citizens, regardless of their caste or religious affiliations.
- Encouraging greater political awareness and encouraging voters to prioritize meritocracy over identity-based considerations can help shift the political landscape towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.
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