The Caste Card

The Caste Card​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 8th Dec. 2017

In spite of the experience of the GOP, the politics in India seldom want to understand not using any ‘card’ that may have come inadvertently on its way, especially from retired or close to retired political Netas. The card was used left, right and center by the party especially in the so called ‘Cow belt’. The result is that even the Brahmins are demanding reservations under some pretext or the other. Those who dominate are known and might have been supportive but for a huge price. And last but not the least, the party seems all but absent and unable to stand on its own legs. The reason is not just the users but all those electoral netas with strong caste identities benefit and the stronger identities can even carve out their own fiefdoms. The commercial news media seems to have maintained the myth that only the user of Caste card benefits, while evidence suggest that this only consolidates caste loyalties towards one’s own (with stronger identities neta benefiting) and results in fragmentation, something the pundits may not want to agree.

So election bound netas would have a penchant for social engineering rather than economic rationale to argue for amongst voters. In fact what is easily discernible that voters can easily differentiate between social engineering and development politics and ensures an erosion of development plank. What is curious is that the issue of mis-treatment of Harijans (to be politically correct) in the states ruled by the dispensation or attacks on cattle traders again from the community is hardly an issue even when the highest chair in the governance of the nation makes ultra-stretched efforts to identify with them for votes. The job losses on account of leather trading is not calculated by the media, but its fixation with the identity politics alone and somehow meekly tamed opposition (which again wants the nature of politics to be based on identity politics rather than an issue based one) almost surrendering since their lack of gameplan in the face of hyper-active retired netas shooting from the hip. Actually keeping the nature of politics as such suits both sides since then it is almost a question of who gets helped more and to what extent. As for the opposition even if they fail to form government, their netas firmly establishes a stronger identity since image is now more visualized as a clear opposition neta willing to stand-up to the powers that be. For the party in power, their netas at the state as well as center can away without any replies and would maintain their political standing at least within the party even if they fail to form the government.

For the ‘issue based politics’ or ‘mudda politics’, it is important that the ‘issue’ or ‘mudda’ takes precedent over any person or slogan. However, as a result of political as well as media inducements, it is the person championing the cause tends to become a bigger image or at least is projected to be so and glamourized. The avarice for power then takes over in a classic satire a la Dilip Kumar in Sagina, and the issues tend to be forgotten since having been taken over by other newer issues. There might be a few exceptions like Anna Hazare who maintain their guard and thus manage to retain some hold which has endured over a period. It is ironical that the media believes that it should not be criticized or if criticized then this is only because it is a soft target. This is because it deliberately does not allow ‘issues’ to be taking over the ‘identities’ for almost any of the causes. It attempts therefore side to maintain a status quo in the process. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Politics in India: The Intersection of Class Struggle and Public Response​

India, the world’s largest democracy, is a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and social structures. One of the most significant and enduring aspects of this complexity is the role of class struggle in shaping the political landscape. Class struggle, the conflict between groups with different economic interests, has been a defining feature of Indian politics since the country's independence in 1947. This article explores the dynamics of class struggle in India, its impact on political movements, and the public response to these tensions.

Historical Context​

The roots of class struggle in India can be traced back to the colonial era, where a stark divide existed between the British rulers and the Indian masses. The Indian National Congress (INC), which led the independence movement, was initially dominated by the educated middle class and the elite. However, the inclusion of peasants, workers, and other marginalized groups gradually transformed the nature of the struggle, making it more class-based.

Following independence, the government under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru adopted a policy of state-led industrialization and land reforms aimed at reducing economic disparities. Despite these efforts, the class divide persisted, and new forms of class struggle emerged. The Green Revolution in the 1960s, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity, benefited large landowners more than small farmers, leading to increased inequality and rural unrest.

Contemporary Class Struggle​

In contemporary India, class struggle is manifested in various forms, including labor movements, farmers' protests, and social justice campaigns. The economic liberalization initiated in the 1990s by the government, aimed at integrating India into the global market, has had mixed effects. While it has created a burgeoning middle class and a small but wealthy elite, it has also left a significant portion of the population behind, exacerbating economic disparities.

1. Labor Movements: India has a robust tradition of labor unions, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. Strikes and protests are common, often demanding better wages, working conditions, and social security benefits. The informal sector, which employs a majority of the workforce, is also increasingly organizing, although it faces significant challenges due to its precarious nature.
2. Farmers' Protests: Agricultural distress is a critical issue in India, where over 50% of the population relies on farming for their livelihood. Low crop prices, debt, and inadequate government support have led to widespread protests. The most notable recent example is the Farmers' Protest against the 2020 farm laws, which saw farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and other states camping at the borders of Delhi for months, demanding the repeal of the laws. Their persistent and peaceful demonstration eventually led to a significant public response and the government’s decision to roll back the reforms.
3. Social Justice Campaigns: Class struggle often intersects with caste and gender issues. Movements like the Dalit Rights Movement, led by groups such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the women's rights movement, represented by organizations like the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), highlight the intersectionality of social and economic struggles. These movements advocate for the upliftment of marginalized communities and equal economic opportunities.

Public Response​

The public response to class struggle in India is multifaceted, reflecting the country's diverse social and political fabric.

1. Support and Solidarity: Many Indians, especially from the middle and lower classes, have shown solidarity with labor movements and farmers' protests. The Farmers' Protest, for instance, garnered widespread support from various sections of society, including students, intellectuals, and even some segments of the middle class. Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing this support, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and coordination of efforts.
2. Apathy and Indifference: Conversely, there is also a segment of the population, particularly the urban middle and upper classes, who may be indifferent or even hostile to class-based movements. This apathy can be attributed to a lack of immediate personal impact and a perception that such movements disrupt economic stability and development.
3. Government Policies: The government's response to class struggle is often a mix of repression and co-optation. While some movements have been met with force, others have seen concessions and policy changes. The Farmers' Protest, for example, led to a re-evaluation of the farm laws and their eventual repeal. However, this response is not uniform, and the effectiveness of government measures in addressing class disparities remains a subject of debate.
4. Economic Reforms and Social Programs: To address class disparities, the government has implemented various economic reforms and social programs. Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide a safety net for the rural poor. However, the implementation and impact of these programs are often criticized for being inadequate or poorly managed.

Conclusion​

Class struggle in India is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon, deeply intertwined with the country's political, social, and economic systems. While movements like labor strikes and farmers' protests have achieved some successes, the underlying issues of economic inequality and social injustice remain persistent. The public response to these struggles is varied, ranging from strong support to indifference, and the government's approach to addressing class disparities is often reactive.

For India to truly realize its democratic ideals and ensure equitable development, it is imperative to address the root causes of class struggle. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes robust economic reforms, effective social programs, and a political environment that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all classes. As India continues to navigate the complexities of its diverse society, the role of class struggle in shaping its future cannot be underestimated.