Caste politics - Caste in Indian society refers to a social group where membership is decided by birth. Members of such local group are endogamous, i.e. they tend to enter into marital relationships among themselves. They often have related political preferences.

When we refer to caste in politics, we refer to various forms caste can takein politics, and how this issue which is indeed a social factor gets politicised.Politics in caste, explains how politics impacts caste, it explains how various caste based groups are trying to assert their rights in their quest to acquire power and authority.
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Caste in Politics:
Caste in politics refers to the influence and role of caste-based factors in political processes, including elections, party politics, and policy-making. It is a phenomenon prevalent in countries like India, where caste has historically played a significant role in shaping social and political dynamics. Caste in politics can have both positive and negative implications, affecting the representation of different castes, social justice, and the overall functioning of the political system.

1. Caste-based Voting:
- Caste in politics is often reflected in caste-based voting patterns, where individuals tend to vote for candidates belonging to their own caste or caste-based alliances.
- This can lead to a fragmentation of the electorate along caste lines, making it challenging for political parties to appeal to a broader cross-section of society.
- Caste-based voting can also result in the marginalization of certain castes, as candidates from dominant castes often have an advantage over those from marginalized castes.

2. Caste as a Political Identity:
- In caste-based politics, caste identity becomes a crucial factor in political mobilization and electoral strategies.
- Political parties often align themselves with particular castes or caste groups to secure their support and consolidate their vote banks.
- Such caste-based mobilization can strengthen social divisions and perpetuate caste-based hierarchies within society.

3. Reservation Policies:
- Caste in politics is closely linked to the issue of reservation policies, which aim to provide affirmative action to historically disadvantaged castes.
- These policies seek to address social and economic inequalities by reserving seats in educational institutions, government jobs, and political representation for specific castes.
- The implementation and effectiveness of reservation policies are often influenced by political factors, including caste-based mobilization and electoral considerations.

Politics in Caste:
Politics in caste refers to the manipulation and exploitation of caste-based factors by political actors for their own benefit. This involves using caste as a tool to gain political power, maintain dominance, and control resources. Politics in caste can have detrimental effects on social cohesion, democratic principles, and equitable development.

1. Caste-based Polarization:
- In politics dominated by caste considerations, politicians often exploit caste fault lines to create divisions and consolidate their voter base.
- This can lead to caste-based polarization, where communities are pitted against each other for political gains, resulting in social tensions and violence.

2. Caste-based Patronage:
- Politics in caste often involves the distribution of resources, privileges, and benefits based on caste affiliations.
- Political leaders may provide patronage to specific castes in exchange for their support, reinforcing existing inequalities and undermining meritocracy.

3. Caste-based Violence:
- Politics in caste can sometimes manifest in caste-based violence, particularly during elections or when conflicts arise between different caste groups.
- Such violence perpetuates social divisions, hampers the functioning of democratic institutions, and undermines the rule of law.

In conclusion, caste in politics focuses on the role of caste in the political process, including voting patterns, mobilization, and representation. On the other hand, politics in caste refers to the exploitation and manipulation of caste for political gains, leading to polarization, patronage, and violence. Both concepts have significant implications for social cohesion, equitable development, and the functioning of democratic systems.