Negative Impacts of casteism on Indian politics-

In modem Indian society, the caste-based differences are found to be spreading like cancer and AIDS-both horrible diseases. Casteism causes tension and srtife in the society. National interests are marred and conservatism gets promoted. The government works under pressure. Casteism is against the doctrines of democracy. The feeling of casteism has been on the rise since independence and all the parties seek to benefit from it. Casteism has cast the following negative impacts on Indian politics.

• Against democratic sentiments :

Casteism is against democratic sentiments. It harms democratic values like liberty, equality and fraternity and encourages disunity and narrow-minded thinking in society. 

• Promotes Vote Bank politics : 

Political parties and leaders support fair and unfair demands of a caste to make it their vote-bank and encourage them, which is fatal for the interest of the nation. Ethnic interests are given more importance over national interests.

• Damage to the sentiments of fraternity and unity :

It damages the sentiments of fraternity and unity, and enmity increases on account of conflicts of varying ethnic interests. The atmosphere of society becomes tense and full of clashes. This destroys social harmony. During the Gujjar movement in Rajasthan, there were clear differences between Meenas and Gujjars in some areas.  

• Enhance conservatism : 

Casteist thinking enhances conservation, in which scientific and progressive approaches do not get developed.

Development of modem approach gets hindered and casteism promotes traditionalism.

• Emergence of struggle and unrest :

Within the society, struggle and unrest replace peace, calm and ease. Different castes struggle for their interest. On many occasions, there is an atmosphere of unrest in the society due to the decision of the government taken under pressure. 

• Country’s governance under inept people :

To fight an election on caste considerations and voting on the basis of caste request is the result of casteism. Qualified persons/candidates lose elections on account of voting trend on caste lines and the candidate who wins the elections does not appreciate the liabilities of the society as a whole. They put their caste-loyalty on priority. This is dangerous to the country as well as to the society. The governance of the country goes into the hands of unqualified people, who, of course, cannot bring any good to the country.

• Division of reverence and devotion :

Due to casteist emotions, the reverence and devotion of citizens get divided. There is a decline in the devotion towards the country. People start giving preference to caste interests over national interests. These initiatives create obstacles in the unity and development of the country.

Formation of political parties on caste consideration :

Due to casteism, political parties are formed on caste lines. For the development of healthy democracy, political parties should be constituted on economic and political ideologies.

• Sense of insecurity in minorities :

A sense of insecurity develops among the minority castes and communities. 

Government buckles under groups pressures :

Government works under the pressures of big and powerful ethnic groups, therefore, it tries to avoid fair and impartial decisions.

• Damage to national property : 

Many a time, the movement of ethnic organisations takes violent turns, causing huge loss to national property. Industrial development and business suffer in a big way. In the course of struggle, public property is damaged.