Cast, Political developments in Andhra Pradesh vs Uttar Pradesh - Anand Nath
In Andhra Pradesh, the demand for reservation and political representation by the Kapu community has been a major political issue. The community, which constitutes around 27% of the state's population, has been demanding inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which would make them eligible for reservation benefits. ..lementation has been delayed. In Uttar Pradesh, the politics of caste has been a dominant factor for several decades, with different communities playing a crucial role in shaping political outcomes. In recent years, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has focused on consolidating the support of the non-Yadav OBCs, who constitute around 40% of the state's population.
There have been several significant developments related to caste and politics in both Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in recent years. In Andhra Pradesh, the demand for reservation and political representation by the Kapu community has been a major political issue.
The community, which constitutes around 27% of the state's population, has been demanding inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which would make them eligible for reservation benefits. In 2017, the state government passed a bill providing 5% reservation to Kapus in educational institutions and government jobs.
However, the move was challenged in court, and its implementation has been delayed. Another significant development in Andhra Pradesh has been the emergence of the YSR Congress Party, led by Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, as a dominant political force.
The party, which swept to power in the 2019 assembly elections, has been accused of pursuing a policy of 'reverse casteism' by favouring the Reddy community, which is seen as the party's support base. This has led to criticism from other communities, including the Kapus and the Kammas, who have accused the party of neglecting their interests.
In Uttar Pradesh, the politics of caste has been a dominant factor for several decades, with different communities playing a crucial role in shaping political outcomes. In recent years, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has focused on consolidating the support of the non-Yadav OBCs, who constitute around 40% of the state's population.
The party has also made efforts to reach out to the Dalit community, which has traditionally supported the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Another significant development in Uttar Pradesh has been the emergence of the Bhim Army, a Dalit organization that has been critical of mainstream political parties and their failure to address the concerns of the community.
The organization, which was founded in 2015, has been involved in several protests and has been accused of inciting violence. However, it has also been credited with raising awareness about issues affecting Dalits and mobilizing support for their cause.
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