1. A brief essay on identity politics (caste & politics), in India
Answers
Identity politics is a form of politics that mobilizes people on the basis of their caste,religion,language,culture,nationality etc.
The influence of identity politics on the society and polity in India since independence has grown by leaps and bound.
Some factors that affect society are:
-It leads to mobilisation of the lower castes,who form a major chunk in the vote bank politics of the country.
-It has led to a rise in incidents of communal violence in the country.
-Discriminatory treatment of law and order based on groups may led to rise in cases of nepotism and protection of the majority group.
-It helps prevent exploitation of the lower caste from the upper caste.
Some factors that affect polity are:
-Transition from a single party system to multifarious regional parties.
-Quota politics prevails over the issues of development and growth.
-Increase in dominance of lower caste in the elections has compelled the parties to favour them,hampering governance.
-Rise of vote bank politics.
-Selection of candidates is done by political parties on the basis of caste,religion etc.rather than on merit.
In the short run, a silent revolution of the lower castes has brought the recognition and legitimacy in the society.
Nevertheless,in the long run,it has not changed its focus on development and growth but has escalated incidents of communal violence and hate crimes.