UP govt bans caste rallies, political storm brews ahead of 2027 elections

In a sweeping move ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the state government recently night issued an order banning “caste-based political rallies,” terming them a threat to “public order” and “national unity.” The directive follows the September 16 Allahabad High Court ruling that called for the removal of caste displays in public.

The order, issued by officiating Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar to all district magistrates, secretaries, and senior police officials, explicitly states: “Caste-based rallies organised for political purposes promote caste conflict in society, are contrary to public order and national unity. They are strictly prohibited in the state of Uttar Pradesh.”

The move coincides with the upcoming Census — the first caste enumeration since 1933 — an issue long demanded by opposition parties, particularly the Congress.

Political parties reliant on caste-based support have expressed concern. NDA allies such as the NISHAD Party, Apna Dal (S), and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) questioned the practical implementation of the ban. “Political parties like us, which focus on upliftment of deprived castes, how can we operate if we cannot even mention caste?” said a NISHAD Party leader.

The first major test of the government’s resolve is expected with the Bahujan Samaj Party’s planned rally on October 9, marking the death anniversary of its founder Kanshi Ram. The BSP, whose core base comprises Dalits, particularly Jatavs, remained silent on the order on Monday.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the ban “cosmetic,” questioning how the government aims to address deeply entrenched caste discrimination. “The bigger question is how the BJP government will clear its caste-based mindset first,” added SP leader Udaiveer Singh. Congress leaders also accused the BJP of playing the lead role in caste politics, highlighting patterns of “balancing castes” in Cabinet formations.

BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi defended the move as a constitutional obligation, emphasizing that “while caste is a reality, inciting people based on caste or flaunting it to provoke others is wrong.”

The 10-point directive prohibits caste-based markings in police records, the public display of caste signs, and caste slogans on vehicles. It mandates removal of caste glorifying signboards and requires authorities to coordinate with the National Crime Records Bureau to delete caste mentions from the CCTNS portal, except for crimes under the SC/ST Act. Social media posts promoting or denigrating caste will also be monitored, with violators facing strict action.

The Allahabad High Court, in its September 16 ruling, expressed concern over “caste-based political rallies, glorification of caste in TV debates, caste-based songs, and caste-based congregations,” noting that such practices undermine constitutional morality and anti-discrimination provisions.

While the order seeks to curb caste-based politics, opposition leaders remain skeptical. “You can’t erase caste from society. Only the terminology changes; solutions will always emerge around the rules,” said one SP leader.