"Caste identity and caste-based politics are intertwined in Indian society." Discuss this statement in light of role of caste in electoral politics, representation, and social mobilization.

Caste-identity & caste based politics

1. Electoral politics

○ Caste based political parties contest in elections

eg → Samajwadi Party is considered party for OBCs & Yadavs in specific.

○ Parties distribute tickets based on caste calculus

1. Representation

○ Different caste based pressure groups agitate for rights.

○ Affirmative actions ensures (reservation) representation of backward castes & Dalits in legislature & local bodies.

1. Mobilisation

○ Agitations for reservation based on caste identity by both backward & dominant castes. eg → Jat, Maratha etc. agitations

○ social movements : Dalit & BC movements like satyashodhak Samaj, Ambedkar's movement & Dalit panthers.

However, caste identity & caste based politics do not always play a role

○ Electoral politics :- First past the post system requires gaining majority, which makes parties appeal to all castes.

○ Representation :- Class, gender are also being sought as basis for representation eg EWS reservation for poors

○ Mobilisation :- There is increasing 'classisation of caste' (DL Sheth) where people find solidarity more in class than caste.

Satish Deshpande argues that Caste remains relevant in present times in its ability for political mobilisation, however it increasing differentiation requires more nuanced analysis