Opposition parties voiced strong disapproval on Monday regarding the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent directive to ban caste-based political rallies and related public displays. Critics questioned the efficacy of such a move, asking how it would address the deep-seated caste discrimination that has persisted for millennia, ultimately labeling the decision a mere “eyewash.”
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav challenged the decision with five pointed questions. He specifically inquired about the concrete steps the government plans to take to dismantle the 5,000-year-old ingrained caste discrimination and eliminate caste-based displays through attire, customs, and symbols.
Mr. Yadav pressed further, demanding to know what actions would be implemented to eradicate the habit of inquiring about someone’s caste upon introduction, to stop the discriminatory practice of having someone’s home cleansed due to their caste, and to prevent caste-fueled conspiracies involving false and defamatory accusations.
SP spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati suggested the Uttar Pradesh government’s actions stemmed from a fear of growing political awareness within the Gurjar community. He highlighted the apparent contradiction, noting that the government’s order banning caste rallies and conferences came shortly after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) itself had frequently organized similar caste-based gatherings.
Bhati recalled that prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP’s Lucknow office hosted a month-long series of meetings for various castes. He also pointed out that the BJP had erected signs in Lucknow proudly displaying the number of ministers appointed from each caste by its administration. Furthermore, during a Ghaziabad assembly by-election roadshow led by Yogi Adityanath, numerous welcome platforms dedicated to specific castes were prominently displayed along the route.
“It is perplexing,” Bhati stated, “that just as a campaign to boost political awareness among the Gurjar community gains momentum and a large Gurjar rally is announced, the government suddenly recalls that caste-based rallies are prohibited.”
The Congress party condemned the government’s decision as both perilous and a deceptive maneuver designed to silence the voices of Dalit, backward, marginalized, and other subaltern communities.
Anil Yadav, a senior U.P. Congress leader, invoked Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s vision of an equal and just society. He argued that caste-based injustice, unfairness, bias, and prejudice are far from over in Uttar Pradesh. Instead, he asserted that those in power continue to discriminate against the downtrodden, Dalits, backward communities, and minorities through various means, including alleged fake encounters and biased appointments. According to Yadav, this ban on caste-based references and mobilization will only empower those perpetuating injustice, ultimately targeting community groups dedicated to combating discrimination.
The controversy stems from a 10-point directive issued by Uttar Pradesh’s officiating Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar on Sunday, September 21, to all district magistrates and police chiefs. The order explicitly states that caste-based political rallies are detrimental to public order and are prohibited in all forms, including via signboards and social media in public spaces. Furthermore, the directive mandates that caste will no longer be recorded in official police documents such as FIRs or arrest memos, a move enacted following instructions from the Allahabad High Court.