Meaning of caste : 

The spirit of intense attraction towards a caste is called casteism. That is the hyper cohesion of a person towards his caste, nature of the person to isolate himself from other castes and attitude and demeanour of a person in administration and politics when dictated by considerations of caste is called casteism. As a result of this a person nurtures a mindset of opposition and aversion towards other castes. 

According to Kaka Kalelkar : 

“Casteism is an over-riding, blind and supreme group loyalty that ignores the healthy social standards of justice, fair play, equity and universal brotherhood”.

Role of Caste in Indian politics :

• An influential role in decision-making :

In India, organised castes influence the political and social decision-making process.

For example- scheduled castes and scheduled tribes exert pressure on government to extend the benefits of reservation.

• Electoral trend on the basis of casteism : 

During election campaigning of a candidate in Indian election, the candidate tries to invoke the feeling of casteism in order to mould to his favour all members of the caste in his constituency.  

• Ethnic pressure group : 

Many ethnic (racial) groups and communities as ‘Nadar caste Union’ in Tamil Nadu, Kshatriya cartel in Gujarat, Kayasth congregation in Bihar, etc. try to bargain in political domain on the basis of their organised pressure.

• Racial representation in the formation of cabinet :

It is endeavoured during cabinet formation of states that there should be a minister of all the main castes. In central cabinet also, some portfolios are allotted to the members belonging to dalits, tribes, Brahmins Sikhs, Rajputs and Kayasths.

• Casteism in state politics :

‘No state’s politics is immune to the impact of casteism. State politics of Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan has become caste-ridden.

• Decision in political parties on the basis of casteism :

In India, all political parties take their decisions on choosing candidates on the basis of caste only. From the above description, it is clear that the casteism plays a vital role in Indian politics.