The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to ban rallies based on caste has sparked debate. This directive prevents political parties from organizing events explicitly focused on caste identities, such as rallies for specific communities like Kurmi-Kushwaha, Dalits, Brahmins, Yadavs, Ahirs, Jats, Gujjars, and Rajputs. The order also prohibits the display of caste affiliations on vehicles. This enforcement follows a High Court ruling that mandated the removal of caste details from police reports.
Prior regulations against caste markings on vehicle number plates and the associated penalties have often been ignored. The Motor Vehicles Act, Section 179(1), criminalizes such displays. Despite this, both the general public and political figures have routinely disregarded the law. Vehicles associated with the ruling party often display their caste, along with party flags, sirens, and red lights. Authorities frequently overlook these violations. The Chief Minister’s previous attempts to remove sirens and lights from vehicles in 2017 were unsuccessful. The lack of consistent enforcement is a significant issue.
Section 179(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act applies nationwide, yet the removal of caste and religious stickers has rarely been implemented. Similarly, black screens on windows are largely ignored, implying a degree of pride in openly displaying caste identities. Individuals openly flout traffic rules by jumping red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. They also utilize government stickers and occupy toll lanes, while stray animals roam on toll roads, with the NHAI often failing to address these issues.
The state of expressways is a cause for concern. Despite speed limits, drivers often exceed them significantly, leading to accidents during adverse weather conditions. Government and law enforcement agencies often fail to address these issues. Toll-free numbers go unanswered, and accidents occur even at legal speeds due to a lack of advance warning for obstacles. Historically, both influential individuals and state governments have failed to uphold the law consistently.
The neglect of marginalized communities is evident. Chaudhary Charan Singh advocated for removing caste identifiers, but the Congress Party later decided against any association with caste organizations, having already secured a solid vote bank. The same was true for Communist parties.
When Charan Singh left the Congress, he took action to change the situation. As Chief Minister, he banned caste-based educational institutions. He formed the BKD (Bharatiya Kranti Dal) to challenge this situation. His successors, however, exploited caste dynamics for political gain.
Now, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister has banned caste rallies, likely aiming to prevent the fragmentation of Hindu votes. The Congress, now supports caste-based census. The BJP is also aware of this issue. The youth are also trapped within caste boundaries. While controlling caste is essential, the most crucial aspect is to strictly enforce the rules against displaying caste names.
Recently, legislators from a specific caste in Uttar Pradesh formed their own platform. The caste pride that had been bottled up since independence has suddenly resurfaced on social media. The caste census will further intensify this trend. The Chief Minister’s order is welcome, but public servants must abandon their caste affiliations to prevent further caste-based games.