Question

how castism played a vital role in politics

Answer 1

Caste has a huge role to play in shaping politics of India. Several leaders in the past and in present have emerged as a leader of a particular caste or community. The unity and cohesion in a community or in a casteresults in selection of a leader whom they feel will best serve the community's interest. Almost every state has some special communities that wish to be led by a leader of their community. This instills a sense of satisfaction and security in the minds of that community.

Politicians willingly invoke caste in their political manifestations to garner support of a particular community, this sometimes lead to tensions between communities. To appease a community or caste, sometimes leaders give a free hand to them and hence the other communities end up staying in fear and distrust. Seeds of distrust and misunderstandings are sowed to raise conflict between different castes to clinch support of a particular caste.