This is part 2 of 2 in a series that looks at the big picture of castesim as practiced in India today.and what can be done to break this system that divides the nation.  Part one is here.

Casteism in Indian Politics

India is the world’s largest democracy but caste plays a significant role in how that democracy functions.

Caste-Based Voting:

In many regions, voters align themselves with candidates from their own caste. Political parties carefully study caste demographics to maximize electoral success.

      •Vote Bank Politics

      •Turning Communities into Numbers

 “Vote bank politics” refers to the strategy of targeting specific caste groups to secure votes. Instead of focusing on policies or development, political campaigns often revolve around identity.

This includes:

      •Promising benefits to particular communities

      •Selecting candidates based on caste equations

      •Dividing voters along caste lines

The Consequence:

      •Society becomes more polarized

      •Real issues like employment, healthcare, and education are sidelined

      •Caste identity is reinforced instead of reduced.

Representation vs Manipulation:

Caste-based politics has created opportunities for marginalized communities to gain representation. However, it has also:

      •Strengthened caste divisions

      •Encouraged competition between groups

      •Slowed the shift toward issue-based politics.

 Casteism vs Racial Discrimination

 Similar Pain, Different Depth:

Casteism is often compared to racial discrimination in Western countries. Both systems are based on identity and have caused deep injustice.

 Similarities:

      •Birth-based discrimination

      •Social and economic inequality

      •Long-term systemic impact

 Why Casteism Feels More Deeply Embedded:

1. Thousands of Years of History:  Casteism is ancient, making it deeply rooted in tradition and mindset.

2. Cultural Normalization:  It is woven into social customs, making it harder to challenge.

3. Marriage Restrictions:  Strict social pressure to marry within caste keeps divisions alive across generations.

4. Everyday Influence:  Caste affects daily decisions not just major life events.

5. Political Reinforcement:  Unlike many Western societies, caste is still actively used in elections.

 A Necessary Balance:

It is important to recognize that racial discrimination in the West has also been severe and damaging. Both systems have caused immense suffering, and neither should be minimized.

 

Visualizing Casteism

1. A Divided Society:

“Realistic scene of people standing close but separated by invisible glass walls, symbolizing caste divisions in India, emotional lighting”

2. Politics and Identity:

“An election rally where different groups are separated by color-coded sections, with politicians addressing each differently, symbolic and dramatic”

3. Global Comparison:

“Split image showing caste discrimination in India on one side and racial segregation in the West on the other, documentary style”

 

The Path Forward

Breaking a System That Divides:

 India has taken significant steps to reduce casteism, including:

      •Constitutional bans on discrimination

      •Reservation policies

      •Social awareness campaigns

But laws alone are not enough.

Real Change Requires:

      •Changing social attitudes

      •Encouraging inter-caste relationships

      •Ending political exploitation of caste

      •Promoting equality in education and opportunity

  Conclusion

Beyond Caste: The Future India Must Build

Casteism in India is a deeply rooted challenge—but not an unchangeable one. The country stands at a crossroads between tradition and transformation.

To truly progress, India must move toward a society where identity is not defined by birth, but by ability, character, and shared humanity.

Only then can it fully realize its potential not just as a global power, but as a just and equal society.

* * *

Two-part article by Archit Verma, India Travel Buddy

Photos by iStock and Adobe Stock

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