Understanding Mandal and Kamandal: The Dynamics of Indian Politics

The terms Mandal and Kamandal have played significant roles in shaping the political landscape of India, particularly in states such as Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar, since the 1980s. These terms represent two different political ideologies that have polarized and mobilized voters in the country. Exploring the origins and impact of Mandal and Kamandal can provide insights into the complex socio-political dynamics in Indian politics.

Introduction to Mandal and Kamandal

The usage of the terms Mandal and Kamandal dates back to the 1980s. The term Mandal was coined to represent the Have Nots or socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) in India. This term gained prominence in 1989 when the Indian government accepted the recommendations of the Mandal Commission, a report that identified socially and educationally backward communities and proposed reservations for them in jobs and educational institutions.

Kamandal, on the other hand, refers to the Hindutva movement, specifically the Ram Temple movement initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to counter the political influence of SEBCs, represented by the term Mandal. Kamandal literally means a water pot used by Hindu monks and sages, symbolizing a call for Hindu mobilization.

The Roots of Mandal

In 1979, the Morarji Desai government appointed a commission under the chairmanship of Bindheshwari Prasad Mandal. This commission was tasked with identifying socially and educationally backward classes in India. The commission identified 3,743 different caste and communities as backward, accounting for almost 52% of the total Indian population. According to the commission's recommendations, these communities should receive 27% reservation in public employment positions alongside Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

These recommendations remained largely unimplemented for a decade until Vishwanath Pratap Singh became Prime Minister in 1989. With political motives, he attempted to implement the Mandal Commission recommendations to consolidate the votes of backward castes. However, his efforts were delayed due to bureaucratic procedures and judicial interventions. The recommendations were finally implemented in 1993 during the tenure of Vishwanath Pratap Singh, following a significant judgment by the Supreme Court of India in the Indra Sawhney case.

Kamandal: Hindutva and Hindu Mobilization

Parallel to these developments in the Mandal politics, the term Kamandal emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Hindutva movement, spearheaded by the BJP, aimed to mobilize the dominant Hindu population to counterbalance the influence of SEBC parties.

The peak of Kamandal politics was exemplified by the Ram Janmabhumi movement. This campaign culminated in the controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid, leading to the resurgence of the BJP in the national political landscape. In 1991, the BJP experienced a decisive victory in UP, forming the state government and winning 221 out of 403 seats in the Legislative Assembly.

The Clash of Mandal and Kamandal

For much of the 1990s and 2000s, Mandal and Kamandal were contrasting forces in the political landscape of UP and Bihar. However, over time, the BJP managed to incorporate both ideologies into its political strategy. Recent election data suggests that backward castes overwhelmingly voted in favor of the BJP during the 2014 General Elections and the 2017 UP State Assembly Elections.

Political Legacy and Polarization

The legacy of Mandal and Kamandal has significantly influenced the political dynamics in India. These terms symbolize polarized political ideologies that have been used to mobilize and organize voters based on caste and religious identity. The politics of these states, and to some extent the nation, have been shaped by the interplay of these two forces.

In conclusion, the terms Mandal and Kamandal not only represent historical milestones in the evolution of Indian politics but also serve as powerful tools for political mobilization. Understanding their origins and impacts can help us navigate the complex socio-political landscape of contemporary India.