Caste based conferences set to return as U.P. poll approaches

In the run-up to Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, caste mobilisation is once again expected to gather pace, with social organisations representing various caste groups planning events and programmes to bring their grievances into the public domain and press political parties for a greater share in power. Organisations representing Brahmins and Kushwahas are among those planning such gatherings.

Parsuram Yuva Jagriti Manch, a Brahmin caste centric social organisation, will organise a large gathering in the last week of October in Shamli district to unite the community around its grievances.

“We are inviting people associated with other Brahmin groups to join the conference. We will raise our concerns related to Brahmin Welfare Board and representation for the community in Assembly tickets. There are attempts to marginalise us,” said Himanshu Bharadwaj, a member.

In a similar initiative, a Brahmin-Tyagi-Bhumihar Mahakumbh was organised in Saharanpur on October 11 under the banner of Tyagi Brahmin Bhumihar Samaj Samiti. Speakers called for an anti-dowry drive, greater emphasis on education, a fight against social evils and increased political awareness. The gathering also focused on grievances over political representation ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. 

Sarv Kushwaha Chetna Sangh, a social outfit focused on issues related to Kushwaha community, which falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category, has also planned a conference in Janupur on October 28.

“The Kushwaha community is hardworking, and we want its economic and social upliftment. Our share in government and private-sector jobs is low, and our political representation is also inadequate. It is therefore necessary for us to unite and raise our issues with the concerned stakeholders as the elections are approaching,” said Madhukar Kushwaha, a member of the organisation. The Kushwahas are a prominent agricultural caste in the State. 

Asad Rizvi, a Lucknow-based political analyst, said such initiatives were routine in the run-up to polls, as social groups played an instrumental role in electoral mobilisation and sought to negotiate with political parties for greater representation.

“Caste based social groups use election as a major opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength on their long-pending grievances and seek more tickets for their communities by demonstrating their collective strength,” he said.