In a significant action with extensive social and political consequences, the Uttar Pradesh government has enacted a total ban on caste-based political rallies, public signage, and vehicle markings that emphasize caste identity. This order, released late Sunday by officiating Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, is in response to a recent directive from the Allahabad High Court and aims to address practices that contribute to caste tensions and disturb public order. A 10-point directive has been disseminated to all district magistrates, administrative secretaries, and senior police officials throughout Uttar Pradesh. It distinctly forbids political gatherings organized along caste lines, public displays of caste-related symbols, and even caste-based entries in police documentation.
Vehicles displaying caste names, slogans, or symbols will incur strict penalties, including immediate fines. The government’s order references a September 16 ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which highlighted that caste-centric political events and displays are harmful to “public order” and “national unity.” The directive asserts that such activities not only worsen social divisions but also foster political mobilization based on caste identity—an issue the Yogi Adityanath administration views as a significant barrier to fostering an equal and inclusive society. This initiative is being introduced at a politically sensitive juncture, with the next Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections set for 2027.
Political analysts interpret this decision as a crucial move to dismantle caste-based vote banks and diminish identity-driven politics in India’s most populous state. While the initiative has been positively received by advocates for social equality, it is anticipated to spark debate and pushback from parties that depend heavily on caste-based support. By banning caste-based political rallies and public displays, the state government intends to convey a clear message that identity politics will no longer govern public discourse. The administration has stressed that this crackdown is part of a larger effort to eradicate caste-based discrimination and uphold the constitutional ideals of equality and unity.
