Mandal momentum shakes up Hindutva juggernaut

Lok Sabha elections saw a decisive win for a caste-focused coalition in UP, reshaping the political landscape. This shift from religious to caste-based campaigning highlighted a significant change in voter priorities. The opposition alliance, led by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, ran on a platform of caste census and constitutional protections, appealing primarily to Dalits and OBCs.In contrast, PM Modi’s campaign centred around religious themes.
The SP-Congress coalition’s win is part of a broader national trend. In Maharashtra, Congress, along with NCP and Shiv Sena, capitalised on Maratha stir and rural distress among OBCs, moving away from traditional leadership by appointing Nana Patole as party chief.
Meanwhile, DMK in Tamil Nadu emphasised social justice and countered BJP’s Hindutva narrative, framing the contest as a battle between caste and communalism. In Bihar, despite BJP’s alliance with JD(U), which focuses on caste politics, the RJD-Congress’s OBC-centric approach proved formidable. The JMM-Congress opposition also held its ground in Jharkhand by appealing to tribals and backward communities.
UP, however, remained the epicentre of the classic ‘Mandal vs Kamandal’ struggle, reminiscent of the late 1980s when Mandal politics and the Rath Yatra brought leaders like Kalyan Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav to the forefront. BJP’s dominance, propelled by Modi’s hardline Hindutva since 2014, had previously eclipsed both SP and BSP. BJP’s strategy combined religious appeal with targeted outreach to non-Yadav OBCs, undermining SP’s support base and taking advantage of BSP’s decline.
After a decade of BJP’s reign, Akhilesh revitalised his father Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Mandalite approach, presenting himself as a youth leader advocating for backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. Congress supported this strategy, promoting a caste census and challenging the 50% quota ceiling. INDIA bloc framed the election as a fight to protect Ambedkar’s Constitution, appealing to floating BSP voters. Modi responded with a vigorous campaign, accusing the opposition of intending to divert SC/ST/OBC quotas to Muslims. Despite these efforts, the elections mirrored the 1989 scenario, with caste politics again taking centre stage.
Over the years, many predicted the demise of caste-based politics in favour of economic and religious divisions. BJP was often seen as transcending caste dynamics through its religious appeal. However, these predictions underestimated the enduring significance of caste identities and their potential to reassert themselves within the political landscape.