Caste factor has acquired importance in Andhra Pradesh’s politics after bifurcation. The paradox of modernity and democratic politics in India is that while they have contributed to weakening the caste system, they have reinforced group solidarities based on caste identity. Unfortunately, these growing caste-based groups in Andhra Pradesh are making the state more vulnerable to strife and causing harm to social cohesion.
Amidst this backdrop, the state will soon be witnessing Assembly as well as General Elections where political leaders in the state are using caste as their best opportunity and weapon to further divide voters. For instance: The YSR Congress recently held the BC Garjana meeting which was focussed on the party’s appeal to Backward Classes voters, who have primarily been the ruling Telugu Desam Party’s core votebank.
Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party has been focussing on garnering Kapu votes which proved to be crucial for its 2014 win in Andhra Pradesh. It went a step further by announcing that Kapus will be provided 5% reservation in the 10% quote announced for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) by the Government of India.
Challenging the Telugu Desam politically over Kapu votes is Jana Sena Party. The party, founded by Pawan Kalyan who belongs to the community, has primarily attracted Kapus and has emerged as a prominent “Kapu” party despite the party’s manifesto aiming to eliminate caste discrimination. Adding to this is the party’s popularity in the Godavari districts where Kapus are a dominant community.
Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh will soon be having another caste-based meeting – Yadava Garjana, in Guntur on March 3. Yadavas, who fall primarily in the BC category. This meeting of Yadavas has not only attracted Telangana Yadava leaders but also those from neighbouring states such as Karnataka. What this reflects is that Andhra Pradesh’s caste division has also given an opportunity to other state leaders to exploit its own people, allowing them to meddle with state politics.
Unfortunately, caste polarisation is at its peak this election season and if this continues to be the driving factor in the state’s politics, it could lead to law & order disturbance as well as puts lot of young lives at stake with frequent caste wars. The political class should wake up to this reality and present reforms that will free people from the influence of caste complexities and present them equal opportunities and access to resources.
(This post was first published on Gulte)
COMMUNIQUE 