Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
1) Polarization around religion and caste often drives voters’ choices in India. evaluate.(250 words)
Why this question:
Caste-based vote bank politics, rather than economic issues and social policy have determined India’s electoral choices. With Lok Sabha elections round the corner it is becomes necessary for us to analyse this point of view with respect to the context of Indian society angle.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss how identity and religious-ethnic conflicts, rather than economic issues and social policy, determine India’s electoral choices.
You must emphasize on lack correlation between developmental expenditure and support for a political party.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the importance of voter’s choice in a democracy.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects :
- Highlight the present rise of religious divisions and the persistence of strong caste-based cleavages, while education, income and occupation are playing a diminishing role (controlling for caste) in determining voters’ choices.
- What governs the choice of who to vote for in India? How has it changed over time?
- Factors driving voter behaviour.
- Vote Banks of Different Parties; discuss other religious and communal issues, such as cow slaughter, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and triple talaq, that drive the polarization of the vote base.
Conclusion –
Conclude with what needs to be done and emphasize on overhaul of the Indian voting behaviour and vis-à-vis the political system.
