Uttar Pradesh Bans Caste-Based Rallies, Public Displays in Bold Move Against Divisive Politics
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: In a landmark decision with potentially far-reaching political consequences, the Uttar Pradesh government has prohibited all caste-based political rallies, public displays, and signs, declaring them a threat to public order and national unity.
The directive, issued late Sunday by officiating Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, follows a September 16 Allahabad High Court order and has been circulated to district magistrates, police chiefs, and administrative officers across the state.
The government’s move comes at a time when caste-driven mobilization is at its peak, with assembly elections just two years away.
Political observers say the decision will have a significant impact on both the ruling BJP and its allies — such as the NISHAD Party, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party, and Apna Dal — as well as the Opposition, which often relies on caste-based outreach programs to consolidate voter bases.
Why the Ban?
The order makes it clear that caste-based rallies organized for political purposes are not only divisive but also unconstitutional, as they fuel caste rivalries and disrupt social harmony.
The directive emphasizes that the state must foster an inclusive and egalitarian political culture, consistent with constitutional values, rather than one that entrenches caste identities.
Officials have been instructed to take strict action against any attempts to incite conflict through caste-based displays, protests, or propaganda.
The Ten-Point Directive
The sweeping order covers not only political rallies but also day-to-day practices in administration, policing, and public spaces:
- No caste-based disclosure in police records such as arrest memos, panchanamas, or station notice boards, except in cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- Police documents must include the names of both parents of suspects, but exclude caste references.
- The state will work with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to delete the “caste column” from the CCTNS portal. Until this update is made, officials must omit caste details.
- Vehicles bearing caste names, stickers, or slogans will be challaned under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Caste-glorifying signboards or announcements declaring areas as belonging to a particular caste must be removed immediately. Authorities must also ensure such boards are not erected in the future.
- Social media content that glorifies or denigrates caste groups will be monitored, and strict action will be taken against those spreading caste hatred online.
- District authorities have been instructed to maintain constant vigilance, ensuring no political organization or individual uses caste as a mobilizing tool.
- Police manuals and regulations will be amended, if required, to enforce these restrictions effectively.
- Public officials are expected to uphold the spirit of inclusivity while implementing these orders in letter and spirit.
- Accountability will be fixed on officers who fail to act against violations.
Court’s Role in Triggering Change
The Allahabad High Court, in its recent order, had strongly criticized the existing system of caste disclosure in police records, arguing that the justification given by the DGP’s office was “detached from the complex realities of Indian society and the demands of professional policing.”
The court directed the state government to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that prohibit caste identification except in legally mandated cases, while also suggesting reforms in the police manual.
The UP government’s directive is a direct response to these judicial observations.
Political and Social Implications
The order is likely to reshape political campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, a state where caste has historically been a dominant factor in elections.
From caste-based rallies and “mahasammelans” to posters flaunting caste pride, such mobilizations have often deepened divides rather than uniting citizens.
With assembly elections due in 2027, the timing of the decision is crucial. While the BJP may attempt to project itself as a party of national unity and development, allies that draw strength from specific caste identities may feel constrained.
Similarly, Opposition parties that rely on caste coalitions will need to rethink their outreach strategies.
On the societal front, many observers see the directive as a progressive step to bridge divides. If enforced sincerely, it could reduce public displays of caste superiority or rivalry, creating a more inclusive civic environment.
However, skeptics warn that deep-rooted caste dynamics cannot be erased overnight. They argue that while public symbols may disappear, subtle caste-based politics may continue behind closed doors.
Aiming for a New Political Culture
By banning caste-based rallies, stickers, and signboards, and by reforming administrative practices, the UP government is signaling its intent to curb casteism as a public identity marker.
The move reflects a larger attempt to rewrite the political narrative in India’s most populous state, replacing caste arithmetic with issues of governance, law and order, and development.
Whether the directive translates into genuine change on the ground or becomes another symbolic measure remains to be seen. But for now, Uttar Pradesh has made a strong statement: politics of division will no longer be tolerated.
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