What among the following is correct about Dalit politics and OBC politics in many parts of India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Both have developed independently and often in competition with each other
Option (1) Both have developed in collaboration with one another — Incorrect. They did not grow together; the BSP, for instance, drew its strongest support from Dalit voters while OBC parties grew on their own.
Option (2) Both have developed to foster the Brahmanical system of domination — Incorrect. Both rose from groups placed low in the caste hierarchy and stand against such domination, not for it.
Option (3) Both have developed independently and often in competition with each other — Correct. In many parts of India, Dalit politics and OBC politics have developed independently and often in competition with each other.
Option (4) Both have developed as a reaction to secessionist movements in Punjab and North-East. — Incorrect. They grew out of caste-based political assertion after the Mandal issue, not out of secessionist movements.
NCERT (2025-26): “Political fallouts … Since then the BSP has emerged as a major political player in the State and has been in government on more than one occasion. Its strongest support still comes from Dalit voters, but it has expanded its support now to various other social groups. In many parts of India, Dalit politics and OBC politics have developed independently and often in competition with each other.…” |