UNDERSTANDING CASTE IN UTTAR PRADESH POLITICS

Caste has always been important in Indian society from ancient times. Its impact can be traced in all aspects of society such as- cultural, economic, social and political. In this research paper, the role of caste in Uttar Pradesh politics is being analysed. It is said that Uttar Pradesh is the political king maker in Indian politics, so caste is the king in Uttar Pradesh. This shows the importance of caste in politics. Many political parties have been formed on the basis of caste based ideology and vote bank. The dynamics of caste and politics is quite visible. Upper castes, untouchables and several dominant castes of the state are important from a political point of view. Here is an attempt to understand this equation from pre-independence to after independence and so far, how politicians have used caste to gain legitimate power to rule.