RSS Masterstroke: Turning the Caste Census into a Political Advantage

 

As I sit back and watch the unfolding political drama, it feels like I’m immersed in a high-stakes poker game, where every move is fraught with tension and intrigue. The latest issue at the heart of this game is the caste census—a topic that’s igniting debates and reshaping alliances across the country.

Rahul Gandhi, with his passionate speeches and fiery resolve, stands at the forefront of this debate. Clad in his iconic white T-shirt, he commands the floor of Parliament, arguing vehemently for a caste count to ensure justice for the marginalized. His words are a clarion call, resonating through the corridors of power as he champions the cause of those he believes have been left behind in India’s progress. Yet, behind his fervor lies a complex web of power plays, divisions, and strategic calculations.

Watching Rahul Gandhi in action, I can’t help but be struck by his commanding presence. His impassioned calls for a caste census are both compelling and strategic. He frames it as an essential step toward ensuring equality for backward classes. But there’s an irony in his dismissive attitude toward questions about his own caste—a sign that for him, caste is more of a political tool than a personal identity.

Gandhi’s push for the caste census seems like a calculated move in the grand chess game of Indian politics. His strategy appears to be positioning the BJP against the notion of social justice, while he presents himself as the defender of the marginalized. However, this approach is fraught with risks, potentially dragging India back to the chaotic days of the Mandal Commission era, where promises of upliftment devolved into power struggles and conflicts.

As I reflect on the past, the memories of the Mandal Commission come rushing back—a time when reservations for backward classes promised a brighter future. The hopes were high, but reality soon set in. Political parties capitalized on these changes to build their own power bases along caste lines.

In Uttar Pradesh, the alliance between Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshi Ram, which once soared under the slogan “Mile Mulayam Kanshi Ram, hawa mein udd gaye Jai Shri Ram,” eventually fell apart over petty disputes. Similarly, in Bihar, alliances crumbled under the weight of personal ambitions, and the dream of a united front for backward classes disintegrated into infighting.

The Mandal Commission’s legacy was bittersweet. It revealed a harsh truth: the struggle for backward class rights was less about unity and more about survival. Now, as we face the possibility of a caste census, those old wounds seem poised to reopen, with even higher stakes at play.

In the midst of this heated debate, a surprising turn of events comes from the RSS. Traditionally focused on Hindu unity and wary of caste politics, the RSS and its political wing, the BJP, had been largely uninvolved in the caste debate. However, Sunil Ambekar’s recent statement signals a dramatic shift—a strategic masterstroke that redefines the political landscape.

This isn’t just a concession but a calculated move to seize the narrative from the Congress. By supporting the caste census, the RSS has effectively turned a potential liability into a powerful advantage. It’s a textbook case of political jiu-jitsu—absorbing the opposition’s momentum and redirecting it to their own benefit.

Embracing the caste census, the RSS has managed to undercut the Congress’s aggressive stance and reposition itself as a proactive force willing to address complex social issues head-on. The RSS’ endorsement of the caste census not only challenges the Congress but also shifts the focus toward its broader vision of social harmony.

The RSS' support is rooted in its belief that Hindus are inherently inclusive by nature, and would oppose attempts of dividing the society. This new stance on the caste census is presented as a natural extension of their core values, positioning the RSS as an organization that embraces social inclusivity and unity. By portraying the caste census as a means to achieve broader societal harmony, the RSS not only challenges the Congress but also redefines its own role in the political sphere.

As I look back at VP Singh’s tenure, marked by the Mandal Commission’s promise of social justice, I’m struck by the irony. Singh’s efforts seemed bold and progressive, but the outcomes were far from what was anticipated. Despite his intentions, the benefits of the Mandal Commission were limited. Only a few marginalized communities saw tangible improvements, while the broader goal of societal integration remained elusive.

Singh’s approach, meant to make him a champion of the oppressed, instead exposed the complexities of caste politics. The attempt to provide reservations and promote backward classes often deepened existing divisions and sparked new power struggles. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the difficulties of addressing social inequality within a political framework.

Rahul Gandhi, with his aspirations to be the face of marginalized communities’ empowerment, risks falling into the same trap. Like Singh, Gandhi’s stance on the caste census could either elevate him as a champion or reduce him to a cautionary tale of identity politics gone awry.

As the caste census debate heats up, I find the Congress caught in a precarious position. Rahul Gandhi’s impassioned advocacy has stirred his base, but it has also exposed deep rifts within the party. The shadow of the 2013 Karnataka caste survey looms large—the survey conducted under Siddaramaiah’s government remains unreleased, and there are fears that making the data public could spark infighting among Congress leaders.

Behind closed doors, Congress leaders are anxious. What if the caste census reveals uncomfortable truths? What if the party’s carefully balanced coalition of castes begins to unravel? For every public statement Rahul makes, there’s an undercurrent of worry within the party. The Congress is walking a tightrope, trying to appear progressive while avoiding alienation of key voter bases.

The reality of the caste count’s impact is more complex. While the census aims to shed light on the socio-economic status of various communities, its effects are likely to be particularly felt by dominant groups like the Yadavs, Kumis, and Jatavs, within the marginalised. These communities have historically held significant political sway in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The results could either reinforce their power or expose vulnerabilities that might disrupt the existing caste equations.

As India faces the prospect of a caste census, it feels like we’re on the edge of a major upheaval. The promise of social justice is noble, but the reality is marred by power plays and electoral calculations.

The Congress must navigate its internal contradictions, while Rahul Gandhi’s ambition to lead the charge for marginalized communities could backfire dramatically. The caste census, instead of being a tool for upliftment, risks becoming a weapon of division, deepening the very divides it aims to bridge.

In this unfolding political saga, one thing is clear: the caste census is more than just a bureaucratic exercise. It’s a litmus test for India’s political class, revealing their ability—or inability—to rise above narrow self-interest. As this latest act in the drama of Indian politics unfolds, I watch with bated breath, wondering if this gamble will pay off or lead the nation into unprecedented division. Only time will tell.