Tue Nov 12 19:21:47 UTC 2024: ## Caste Politics Takes Center Stage in Uttar Pradesh By-Elections

**Ghaziabad, November 13, 2024:** With a week left for the by-elections in nine constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, candidates are resorting to caste-based strategies to secure votes. This trend, observed by political observers, underscores the deep-rooted nature of caste identity in Indian politics.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite its national appeal, is employing tactics tailored to specific castes. In Kundarki, the BJP candidate, Thakur Ramveer Singh, is appealing to Muslim Rajputs, acknowledging their sizeable presence in the constituency. Similarly, the BJP candidate in Khair, Surender Diler, has been seen squatting on stage, a gesture allegedly aimed at appealing to the Jat community, known for their preference for this tradition.

Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is also deploying caste-based strategies. In Sisamau, SP candidate Naseem Solanki, a Muslim, has been seen praying in a temple, seemingly targeting Hindu voters. In Meerapur, SP candidate Sumbul Rana, a Muslim Rajput, is reaching out to Hindu Rajputs. The SP’s candidate in Khair, Charu Kain, a Jatav married into an influential Jat family, is using this alliance to garner votes from both communities.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) have also capitalized on caste divisions, particularly within the Muslim community. These parties are fielding candidates from the Jhojha community, leveraging the hierarchy present within the Muslim caste structure.

Political analysts point to previous elections where caste-based campaigning has yielded results. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Iqra Hasan’s victory in Kairana was attributed to her appeal to Hindu Gurjars and Jats, while Imran Masood’s victory in Saharanpur was credited to the support from the Thakur community.

While these tactics may be perceived as political maneuvering, they reflect the complex social fabric of Uttar Pradesh, where caste identity remains deeply ingrained. The by-elections, though seemingly small in scope, are showcasing how this deeply entrenched factor continues to shape the political landscape.

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