Over the past few decades, the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India have effectively integrated into the mainstream Hindu society, aligning with the principles of Hindutva, championed by the Sangh Parivar and meticulously advanced by the BJP.

This integration has transformed them into the BJP's largest voter base, altering the party's perception from being predominantly upper caste-centric to a more inclusive Hindu party.

A thorough analysis of data reveals that OBC voters are bolstering the BJP's foundation. The BJP's strategy of promoting a larger Hindu identity, transcending micro-caste identities through its USHV (United Spectrum of Hindu Votes) approach, significantly contributes to this phenomenon.

Similarly, a notable consolidation among tribal communities has been witnessed in the past decade. The extensive implementation of central government schemes, coupled with increased budgetary allocations, has fortified the roots of this consolidation.

While the primary objective behind scheduling tribes was to integrate them with the mainland, Prime Minister Modi's effective execution of infrastructure and technology has facilitated this integration without heavy reliance on constitutional mechanisms such as reservations.

However, the situation for Scheduled Caste (SC) communities contrasts starkly. Despite experiencing some benefits like improved housing, water, electricity, and health insurance, there hasn't been a concerted effort to introduce specific schemes tailored to this community, akin to those for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

It's imperative to acknowledge that the rationale behind scheduling these castes, unlike tribes, was to integrate them into mainstream society, transcending the prevailing caste hierarchy largely perpetuated by the British census of 1872. This census fueled caste consciousness, eventually fostering animosity toward the larger Hindu community due to the discrimination faced by these marginalised groups.

It's worth noting that the intent behind providing special treatment to certain castes, as enshrined in the constitution, wasn't solely to promote equality but also to elevate these communities vertically within Hindu society. While there was reverence for Babasaheb Ambedkar, many were hesitant to abandon their traditional religion. Hence, efforts were made to uplift them, enabling them to seamlessly assimilate into Hindu society. Access to religious ceremonies and places of worship held significant importance for these communities.

Post-independence, the Indian National Congress (INC) found itself entangled in a complex web of political interests regarding the status of Scheduled Castes (SCs). While the INC rhetorically championed the cause of social justice and upliftment, its actions often fell short of translating these promises into tangible improvements for SC communities.

This inconsistency stemmed from a delicate balance the party sought to maintain between addressing social inequalities and safeguarding its own political dominance. The INC's hesitance to enact bold reforms to uplift SC communities can be attributed to various factors.

Firstly, there was a fear of antagonising the dominant caste groups whose support was crucial for the party's electoral success. Secondly, the INC's leadership, primarily comprised of upper-caste individuals, often lacked a deep understanding of the systemic issues faced by SCs. Consequently, policies formulated by the party tended to be superficial, failing to address the root causes of discrimination and deprivation.

This vacuum in effective representation and empowerment of SCs created fertile ground for the emergence of regional and caste-based parties that purported to champion the cause of these marginalised communities. These parties, initially buoyed by fervent grassroots support, promised to be the voice of the oppressed and neglected. However, their trajectory has been marked by internal strife, corruption, and a gradual erosion of credibility.

Today, the landscape of SC politics reflects a fragmented voter base disillusioned with both the INC and the regional parties. While the INC continues to rely on traditional rhetoric and symbolism to appeal to SC voters, its inability to deliver substantial change has led to a growing sense of disillusionment. The failure of regional and caste-based parties to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by SC communities has further exacerbated this disillusionment.

In this context, SC voters find themselves at a crossroads, increasingly open to exploring alternative political avenues that offer genuine representation and meaningful progress. The fragmented nature of the SC voter base presents an opportunity for political realignment, with parties willing to engage sincerely with the aspirations and concerns of these communities poised to make significant inroads.

Hence, the fragmentation of the Scheduled Caste (SC) voter base offers the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a significant strategic opportunity to strengthen its electoral stronghold by integrating SCs within a cohesive Hindutva framework.

By addressing the historical injustices perpetuated by colonial legacies and providing targeted social and financial assistance through state policies and budgetary allocations, the BJP can pave the way for genuine empowerment and inclusion of SCs. This approach transcends mere political manoeuvring, presenting a chance to rectify past wrongs and build a more equitable and unified Hindu society.

The BJP's recent strategy of granting tickets to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), replacing the traditional dominance of Brahmins, Rajputs, and Banias, has shown promise. It is now imperative for the party to apply this strategy to constituencies with significant SC populations that are unreserved.

Issuing tickets to SC candidates in these unreserved seats would demonstrate the party's genuine commitment to their political empowerment, rather than being perceived as fulfilling an obligation as is the case in reserved seats.

Moreover, promoting SC women candidates, akin to the party's strategy with Scheduled Tribe (ST) women candidates, could yield substantial benefits. While tribal communities are often matriarchal, leading to widespread support for women candidates, the dynamics for SCs differ.

A potential discontent might arise within OBC and upper-caste communities if SC men are chosen for unreserved seats, as there may be a perception that SCs already benefit from reserved seats. However, this sentiment is likely to diminish if the candidate is a woman, as her caste identity becomes less pronounced, portraying her as a "Hindu daughter" rather than just an SC woman. This portrayal can resonate deeply and foster broader acceptance.

By strategically placing SC women candidates in unreserved seats and emphasising their identity as representatives of a united Hindu community, the BJP can effectively address the complex interplay of caste and gender, thereby advancing its goal of political inclusion and empowerment for all segments of society.

Adv. Harsh Parikh

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