Skip to main content

Hype around Patidar demand for reservation: Will India become confederation of castes?


By Martin Macwan*
The current agitation in Gujarat for the inclusion of Patidar, popularly known as Patel – a considered a ‘forward’ caste – in the list of other backward castes (OBCs) category has sanctioned the importance of caste in India once again. What is particularly important to note is that the agitation is supported by other ‘forward’ caste organizations, too.
The myth that the ‘higher caste’ status brings in privileges has shattered. For, it is clear, based on the experiential perception of the agitators, that caste offers an equal status to all its members but not the equal living conditions. Still more important, the agitation is led by the educated youth with prominent number of women participants.
Is the Ambedkarite dream for annihilation of caste a step closer where, after almost seven decades of national independence, recognizing the futility of the ‘higher’ caste status, the ‘forward’ caste has taken resort to the street agitation to be derecognized as ‘forward caste’ and be recognized as a backward caste by the state? 

Patidar reservation agitators in North Gujarat projecting Sardar Patel as their hero

There is no doubt that, in the context of the Supreme Court ruling that reservation should not exceed 50% mark, the castes currently in the list of the OBC shall feel threatened for valid apprehensions that, in the event of the Patidar getting the OBC status, most seats in higher education and job opportunities under the concerned quota will be usurped by Patidars, given their social, economic and political clout in the state.
The ruling party in Gujarat with a Patidar chief minister and half a dozen ministers in the state cabinet is worried for a number of reasons: First of all, the agitation is born in their rule of the state of about one and half decades.
Secondly, Gujarat as the ‘model state’ in the country had the Patidar symbol as a dominant representation to showcase growth and development.
Thirdly, Patidars as a consolidated vote bank has been the chief pillar for the BJP’s own growth in the state. The Patidar agitation questions the state claim of growth and development, where even the higher caste status and higher representation in governance do not help the educated youth to fight unemployment.
And finally, given the claim of the Patidars that they constitute 40% of State population, should they be awarded the OBC status, the representation of SC, ST and OBC would rise to 85-90%.
Patidars have justified their agitation on the ground that they are merely following in the footsteps of Jains, the predominantly wealthy forward caste group in Gujarat, who constitute less than 1% of the state population, have been awarded a minority status. Sociologically, the new development signifies that, within the larger Hindu’ family, the Jains are a distinct minority, and to that extent they are not Hindus. The basis for their minority status is religious.
It is the same argument – ‘depressed classes (Dalits) are not Hindu’ – that Dr Ambedkar had used with the British to secure reservation for the scheduled castes (SCs). The chief difference in the case of Jains, besides being non-Hindu, is that they are not ‘untouchables’.
One wonders had Gandhi been alive what stand would he have taken; he went on indefinite fast against the demand of Dr Ambedkar for separate electorate on the ground that he would never allow division of Hindus.
Another important and chief difference to be recognized in comparison of the struggle of the scheduled castes and Patidars for securing reservation lies in its genesis. The rationale for the SC reservation were based on the “injustice meted out to the community in the past”, whereas in the case of Patidars, who rose from Sudra status in Gujarat to the forward caste status, the rationale is presented in the form of consequences for failure of the state-sponsored development.
The logic seems to become the basis of new caste-based consciousness emerging in Gujarat. Already a public rally has been organized by the Kshatriyas demanding reservation, and they are now planning a second rally. News coming in can be seen from other groups, such as the Brahmins, demanding reservation.
Reservation seems in the perception of the people, irrespective of their caste, as the only way to secure representation in higher education and jobs.
There is little doubt that a great deal of caste-based mobilization demanding reservation across country will intensify, once the data of caste census will become public. The hype over reservation is likely to become nail in the coffin of secularism in India, where division and caste consolidation are likely to become a dominant political discourse.
Does national planning deserve a relook?

*Founder, Navsarjan Trust, Ahmedabad; director, Dalit Shakti Kendra, Sanand

Comments

TRENDING

Sengol imbroglio suggests reason why Modi, BJP don't respect modern Indian history

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The new parliament building opened on February 28. It looks it is not the Parliament but part of #Pratinidhisabhas ' started by earstwhile #princelystates in India. The #BJP for long has been acting as if India is a #Kingdom and Modi ji the new #King of India. Even at the coronations of Kings, you find a large number of people, and dignitaries but look at the opening ceremony we have only one face as if he build everything. Is it the dream of a republic.

Cave of Spleen - a feminist perspective: Status of women in early 18th century England

The Cave of Spleen: Aubrey Beardsley's illustration for Pope's “The Rape of the Lock” By Pragya Ranjan  "The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope published in 1712 is a mock-heroic narrative which satirically glorifies trivial incident of cutting of locks of protagonist Belinda. This poem was written in the Augustan Era (1660-1784) which is marked by the period of scientific reason and rationality, whose effect can be seen on the writers of those times. This timeline is particularly important to analyse the episode of the Cave of Spleen.

Abrogation of Art 370: Increasing alienation, relentless repression, simmering conflict

One year after the abrogation by the Central Government of Art. 370 in Kashmir, what is the situation in the Valley. Have the promises of peace, normalcy and development been realised? What is the current status in the Valley? Here is a detailed note by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties , “Jammu & Kashmir: One Year after Abrogation of Art. 370: Increasing Alienation, Relentless Repression, Simmering Conflict”:

Release of dabang neta: Rule of law can't be allowed to be slave to political rhetoric

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  When we look to politicians for solutions and politics as the 'final solution' for every evil then we are disappointed most of the time. In politics, we knowingly or unknowingly become part of the propaganda tool of the ruling elite which exists everywhere across different castes. We often provide issues and talk about them in binaries which suit our elites. The minorities among the marginalised who have no political space and representation rarely get heard by these majoritarian parties whose agenda remain power communities. Every political party in today's time is following the 'successful' formula of 'democracy' which is keeping the 'powerful' 'jaatis' with them leaving aside the marginalised one. The BJP started this but yes they cobbled together all other communities too through a diverse narrative.

Discussion on making school education meaningful to vulnerable communities

ActionAid note on workshop to boost National Curriculum Framework operations: *** Leading educationists and activists striving to make education meaningful to vulnerable communities gathered in Delhi to discuss the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE). Acting in response to the call of the NCF Steering Committee appointed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, ActionAid Association had organised the meeting to gather feedback on the draft NCFSE. This is part of ActionAid Association’s commitment to promote inclusive and gender-responsive education. The two-day national workshop titled ‘NCF Perspectives: Seeking Feedback on National Curriculum Framework (NCF)’ on May 30 and 31, 2023, was held at India International Centre, New Delhi. The workshop aimed to ensure a structured approach to gathering feedback from key stakeholders and enhancing their active participation in shaping the response sought by the Government of India. Stakeholders representing e

Why are 17 Indian cos, including Sterlite, blacklisted by Norway bank

By Venkatesh Nayak* Readers may recall the gory incidents that took place at Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India on 22 May, 2018. Thirteen protesters died on the spot when the police opened fire to disperse an assemblage of thousands of local residents and representatives of civil society groups. They were protesting against the adverse environmental impact of the industrial operations of Sterlite Copper which runs a copper smelter plant in the area. Accusations against the company have ranged from polluting local water resources to plans for expanding the installed capacity of the plant without the necessary environmental clearances. A ground report published in The Wire recently, mentions the decision taken by Norges Bank a few years ago to not invest funds from Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) in Sterlite “due to an unacceptable risk of complicity in current and future severe environmental damage and systematic human rights violations

J&K RTI activist denied opportunity to address audience, bring forward critical issues

Statement by Er. Irfan Banka, Founder of J&K RTI Foundation and convener of the Nalae Ferozpora Bachav Movement, regarding the incident of official misconduct during the My Town My Pride Jan Abhiyan Program and communication to Raj Bhavan: *** Er. Irfan Banka, a prominent RTI Activist and advocate, has come forward to address an incident of misconduct that occurred during the My Town My Pride Jan Abhiyan Program held at Mugam Town Hall in  Budgam. Additionally, Er. Irfan Banka has communicated the matter to Raj Bhavan, seeking appropriate action. During the event, Er. Irfan Banka was denied the opportunity to address the audience and bring forward critical issues concerning the people and services in the community, including waste management, traffic management, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. The incident involved the Additional Registrar Co-operative Kashmir, who not only prevented Er. Irfan Banka from speaking but also subjected him to public humiliation. E

Danger ahead: Smartphones making teens sexually smart, but mentally disturbed

By Harasankar Adhikari  We live in a digitally globalised society. Bombarded consumerism and imitation of foreign cultures and practises reshape our everyday lives. Life choices and lifestyles are the driving forces of modernity at present. People of almost all ages are within this realm and rhythm of consumerism for happiness.

Big challenge for environment movement: How to link with justice, peace movements?

By Bharat Dogra  The biggest hope for resolving life-threatening environmental problems of our planet increasingly rests now not with the world-level political leadership, which has failed miserably in many critical contexts, but instead with those highly committed environmental activists who have many significant achievements to their credit despite working in the middle of many difficulties. Alas, even they too are often grim today instead of being enthused because of the rather overwhelming conditions of world which force environment protection to go two steps backward even when the activists and movements achieve the difficult task of moving one step ahead.

Worship practice of Hindu religion in official functions should be considered appropriate

By NS Venkataraman* The new Indian parliament building was inaugurated with much fanfare, pomp and show by Prime Minister Modi befitting the occasion. While the magnificent building with several technological features was built in just over two years , the style and structure of the building has been acclaimed by millions of people who saw the inaugural programme. Those who saw this programme in person or in visual media could not miss the fact that the installation of Sengol ( Sceptre) was the hall mark of this elegant programme . In India, historically, Sengol is considered to be the symbol of justice and good governance.