In the run-up to the election to state assembly of Punjab in 2022, the ruling party has seen a tumultuous time to manage its intraparty (democratic?) affairs. The sitting Chief Minister lost popular support from his MLAs leading to voting for the new CM.
In the first week of February, Sh. Sunil Jakhar (a Hindu leader) made news claiming to have won the majority support of MLAs but denied the chair because of his (minority) religion in (majority) Sikh Punjab.
This claim prompted me to look at the caste/religion data of people in the top chair of the state. Interestingly, never have Punjab ever seen a Chief Minister from a community other than Jat Sikhs. Digging further, I came across some observations about our Punjab's new caste calculations and elevation of a 'Dalit' CM.
Before we go ahead, I want to expose you to two things: an even and the other, a theory.
Event
In a rare move, the Election Commission shifted the date(s) of election in the state by a week (from 14th to 20th February 2022)
Why? To accommodate Ravidas Jayanti celebration when lakhs of people from the state visit Varanasi. Ravidassias are Dalit Sikhs who turned their back on Sikhism in 2008 to announce that they were a distinct religion. It establishes the influence of a Lower Class community in this assembly election of the state.
Theory
Rudolph and Rudolph (in the book "Political Role of Caste Association") explained three forms of caste-based mobilization
Vertical (lower caste lead by upper caste in exchange of concession)
Horizontal (lower caste develops own relations independent of upper caste)
Differential (intra-caste rivalries)
Now, how did Jat Sikhs (upper caste) become so dominant in the history of this state?
The answer lies in 122 years old Punjab Land Alienation Act of 1900. This act made Jats the sole owners of the land in the state. What did it offer Jats? It left them as dominants in the socio-cultural and political discourse of the state.
Today, the times have changed. Punjab's 1/3 population is Dalit while Jat Sikhs are 1/5th in the number game. Rudolph and Rudolph's theory reflects that Dalits have moved from Vertical to Horizontal mobilization and developed independent relationships.
A Dalit Sikh as CM and postponing elections in a rare move affirms this faith. What will strengthen the building on the foundation of this claim? Electoral stamp of victory on Dalit CM's win as Punjab votes tomorrow.
Will this happen? We'll know on March 10!
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