Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics

Determinants and Characteristics of Rajasthan Politics form a crucial area of study under the subject Rajasthan Polity. The political landscape of the state is influenced by various socio-economic, cultural, and historical factors that shape voting patterns and party dominance. Understanding these determinants helps in analyzing the unique characteristics that define Rajasthan’s political journey.

Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics

Praja Mandal and Kisan Andolan

Objective of Praja Mandal – To end the misrule of princely states and to provide fundamental rights to the citizens.
Contribution – Beginning of political awareness and constructive activities in the princely states.
Effect of farmer movements – Bijolia, Begu, Neemuchana and Meo farmer movements awakened the people and inspired the struggle against princely oppression.

Role of caste

Caste became an important factor in the politics of Rajasthan after independence.
Jats and Rajputs were the major caste groups from 1950-1970.
Caste conflict –
- Jats and farmer castes were in favor of Congress.
- Rajput castes supported Ram Rajya Parishad and Swatantra Party.
Caste balance – For a long time, Jats or Rajputs could not become Chief Ministers in Congress.
Caste loyalty weakened party loyalty and promoted factionalism.
After 1990, castes like Meena, Meghwal, Gurjar, Saini, Yadav also got organized.
Richard Sisson (The Congress Party in Rajasthan, 1971) –
- Increased education, jobs and land ownership of Jats increased their political consciousness.
- Rajputs supported Ram Rajya Parishad, Swatantra Party, Jansangh and BJP.

Feudal background and lack of industrialization

Feudal culture influenced Rajasthan politics.
1950-1970 – Feudal lords, kings and jagirdars dominated.
Swatantra Party and Ram Rajya Parishad were under the control of feudal elements.
Important feudal leaders –
- Raja Hanumant Singh of Jodhpur
- Maharawal Laxman Singh of Dungarpur
- Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat – Despite being a Rajput, he was against feudalism.
Vasundhara Sarkar – Being called “Maharani Sarkar” indicated feudal mentality.
Lack of industrialization and agriculture based economy influenced the political structure.

Democratic decentralization and rising political consciousness

Increased education and political awareness led to the emergence of new political groups.
This made politics pluralistic and competitive.

Limited role of communal politics

Generally, Rajasthan’s politics remained free from communal influence.
1992 – Communal polarization increased during the Ram Mandir movement and Babri Masjid demolition.
After 2014 – Influence of Hindutva politics increased.

Evolution from one-party to two-party system

Till 1977 – Congress dominance (one-party dominant system).
1977-1980 – Rise of Janata Party, beginning of two-party system.
1980-1993 – Multi-party system (Congress, BJP, Janata Dal, other regional parties).
1993 to present – two-party contest between BJP and Congress.

Predominance of factionalism

Congress – always affected by factionalism (Sukhadia era exception).
Present Congress – Ashok Gehlot vs Sachin Pilot faction.
BJP –
- Brahmin faction of Harishankar Bhabhra and Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi against Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- Vasundhara Raje vs other factions.

Politics of defection and manipulation

1950 – Jayanarayan Vyas did politics by bringing feudal MLAs into Congress.
1967 – Mohanlal Sukhadia got MLAs to defect to garner support.
1990 and 1993 – Bhairon Singh Shekhawat formed the government through manipulation.
2008 and 2018 – Ashok Gehlot formed the government with the support of independents and small parties.

Politics influenced by regionalism

Initially – politics was under the influence of Dhundhar (Jaipur), Marwar (Jodhpur), Mewar (Udaipur).
Even today – regional balance influences political equations.

Decisive role of independents

1952 – 39 independent MLAs won (27% votes).
1967, 1993, 2008, 2018 – Independents played a key role in government formation.
2018 Assembly elections – 13 independent MLAs won, 9.5% votes.

Influence of outsiders

Influential outsiders in Rajasthan politics –
- Buta Singh (Jalore)
- Rajesh Pilot (Dausa)
- Balram Jakhar (Sikar)
- Choudhary Devi Lal (Haryana, influence in Sikar)

Role of opposition

The opposition remained numerically weak but influential.
1977, 1993, 2003, 2013 – The opposition played a key role in power change.

Increasing public participation and inclusive politics

1952 – Voting percentage was 37.42%.
2018 – Voting percentage increased to 74.72%.
Political inclusiveness –
- Earlier Jats, Rajputs and Brahmins were dominant.
- Now OBC, Dalit and tribal classes are also participating actively.
Political consciousness – Marginalised communities are now recognising their rights.

Conclusion

Rajasthan politics has been influenced by caste, regionalism, factionalism, defection and the role of independent MLAs. Initially feudal influence was dominant, but with the rise in democratic consciousness, politics has become more competitive and inclusive. The two-party system between the Congress and the BJP has strengthened, while caste and social equations are also influencing the political landscape.

Important Books on Rajasthan Politics

Richard Sisson (University of California, USA) studied the expansion of the Congress Party in his book “The Congress Party in Rajasthan”.
Prof. K. L. Kamal (former Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan University) analysed all political parties and caste influence in “Party Politics in an Indian State”.
Rudolph and Rudolph – “Essays on Rajasthan: Reflections on History, Culture and Administration” (1984)
K. L. Kochar – “From Princely Rajputana to Democratic Rajasthan”
Vijay Bhandari – “Politics of Rajasthan: From Feudalism to Casteism”

Caste in Rajasthan politics

The basic element of Rajasthan’s political system is the interrelationship between social structure and political system. For historical dynasties, caste is an important ladder for political action. In a state like Rajasthan where there has been very little modernization, caste orientation is its important feature, caste structure is used by the political leadership for an effective and stable political system.

Early politics and ethnic influence (1952–1977)

First assembly election of 1952

Out of a total of 160 seats, 54 Rajputs, 22 Brahmins, 12 Jats, 15 Vaishyas, 10 Scheduled Castes, 6 Tribes, 2 Muslims and 39 MLAs from other castes were elected.
Rajputs tried to gain power with feudal power.
Congress faced the main challenge from feudal lords and Rajputs.

1957-1967: Two streams of caste polarization

Congress supporting castes: Jats, Brahmins, Vaishyas, Muslims, Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Rajputs inclined towards feudalism: Active role in Swatantra Party and other factions.

Jainarayan Vyas tried to bring 22 Rajput Jagirdar MLAs to Congress, which increased discontent among Jat leaders.
Mohanlal Sukhadia adopted a policy of balancing the Jats, which increased the influence of Jats.
In 1966, Jat leader Kumbharam Arya and Rajput leader Harishchandra Singh broke away from the Congress and became the focal point of Jat politics.

1962-1977: Swatantra Party and feudal politics

In 1959, the Swatantra Party was founded, drawing support from Rajput feudal lords and industrialists.
Gayatri Devi (Maharani of Jaipur) gave strength to the Swatantra Party, which increased the political influence of the Rajputs.
In 1969, Indira Gandhi nationalised banks and abolished the privy purses, weakening the feudalism.
After 1977, caste politics became more prominent as the participation of backward castes increased.

Mandal Commission, Caste Upheaval and Social Divisions (1977-1999)

Mandal Commission and Caste Polarization (1978-1992)

In 1978, the Central Government constituted the Mandal Commission.
In 1990, the V.P. Singh government implemented the recommendation of giving 27% reservation to the backward classes.
There was a movement against reservation among the upper castes, many youths committed self-immolation.
In Rajasthan, protests took place in cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota.

1990: BJP-Janata Dal (JD) alliance and caste equations

The BJP and Janata Dal formed a government together, the basis of which was the Jat-Rajput alliance.
In the assembly elections, 32 Jat and 19 Rajput MLAs were elected.
Nathuram Mirdha (Jat leader) became a minister at the Center, and Chaudhary Devi Lal became Deputy Prime Minister.

1996-1999: Jat influence in BJP increased

After the death of Nathuram Mirdha in 1996, BJP attracted Jats.
In the 1997 Nagaur by-election, BJP defeated Ramnivas Mirdha.
In 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the inclusion of Jats in OBC, which gave BJP a big political advantage.
The inclination of Jats towards BJP increased discontent among Rajputs, which led to the formation of an organization called Samajik Nyay Manch.

21st Century Caste Politics (2003-2023)

2003: BJP and the Gujjar-ST Reservation Promise

The Gujjar community was promised inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST).
The BJP won a landslide victory in the 2003 elections.
The non-fulfillment of the promise led to the Gujjar agitation in 2007, leading to the Gujjar-Meena caste conflict in Rajasthan.

2007-2008: Gujjar agitation and caste violence

The Gujjar community intensified the agitation, with several protestors killed in police action.
The Meena community protested that Gujjars did not fall under the ST category.
The BJP government passed the buck to the central government, leading to resentment among Gujjars and political losses for the BJP.

2018-2023: Caste polarisation and Congress-BJP strategy

Rajputs’ resentment against the BJP grew, leading to support for the Congress in 2018. Gurjars, Meenas and other castes continued to demand reservation.
In the 2023 elections, the BJP again tried to create caste balance.

Conclusion

Caste equations have played an important role in Rajasthan politics.
Feudal and Rajput influence was dominant in the 1950-70s, but after 1977, backward castes became stronger in politics.
In the 1990s, the equation of Jats and Rajputs brought the BJP to power.
The inclusion of Jats in OBC in 1999 brought great benefits to the BJP, but it increased discontent in the Rajput society.
In the 2003 elections, the BJP promised to give ST status to Gurjars, but the Gurjar movement took place when it was not fulfilled.
Caste conflicts and reservation movements have deeply influenced the politics of Rajasthan.
Caste polarization continued till 2023, and all major parties were engaged in creating caste balance.

The influence of casteism, reservation movements and political equations has continued in the politics of Rajasthan, and this trend is likely to continue in future as well.

Political Demographics

Political Demographics and its Impact

Political Demographics refers to the social and cultural aspects of a population that influence political behaviour and outcomes. It helps in understanding electoral outcomes, voting trends, strategies of political parties, and political participation of different population groups by looking at the demographic structure of a society.
Political demography is a complex and evolving field. Different political parties compete to gain the support of different demographic groups.
Election results depend on which political party can successfully mobilise and appeal to the diverse population.
Rajasthan has several demographic characteristics that influence the politics and electoral behaviour of the state. These major factors can be understood as follows:

Population size:
- Rajasthan’s population size ranks eighth in the country, making it an important electoral constituency during elections.
Age distribution:
- The majority of the state’s population is young, and the political preferences of young voters differ from those of the older generation.
Caste and community:
- Different castes and communities have varying levels of political influence. Different parties try to gain the support of these communities.
Religious diversity:
- Religious identity and communal politics play an important role in voting behavior.
Gender demographics:
- Political representation and participation of women is an important aspect of political demography.
Urban and rural divide:
- Majority of Rajasthan’s population is rural, but urbanization is expanding. Urban and rural residents have different concerns, which influence political issues and voting patterns.
Education and literacy:
- Educated population influences political awareness and participation.
Economic status:
- The state’s population is engaged in a variety of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, which influence political preferences.
Migration:
- Internal and external migration patterns influence the demography and political behaviour of the state.

Political Demographics in the First Assembly Elections of Rajasthan (1952)

Demographic Situation:

According to the 1951 census, the total population of Rajasthan was about 1.6 crore.
The literacy rate was only 8%, which affected the electoral process and political participation.

Total Voters and Electoral Statistics:

Total Voters: 92.68 lakhs.
Total Voting Attendance: 35.19%.
Total Seats: 160 (140 general constituencies and 1 reserved for tribal community).
11 political parties participated in the election, including 10 national parties and Kisan Janata Samyukta Party.

Independent Candidates:

A total of 35 independent candidates contested the election, many of whom won.

Status of Women Candidates:

4 women candidates contested the election, but all lost.
Subsequently, by-elections were held on 17 seats, in which the first woman MLA Yashoda Devi (Banswara) and the second woman MLA Kamla Beniwal won.

Status of Muslim candidates:

2 Muslim candidates won in this election.

Caste politics:

The politics of Jat-Rajput conflict was prominent in this election, which became a part of the political identity of Rajasthan.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections:

At the time of the first Lok Sabha election in Rajasthan, 22 Lok Sabha seats were fixed.
Rajya Sabha seats were also fixed.
2 women candidates participated in the first Lok Sabha election, but both of them lost.
The first woman MP of Rajya Sabha was Mrs. Sharda Bhargava.

Political Demographics in Rajasthan 16th Assembly Elections (2023)

1. Voting and Counting

Elections for the 16th Assembly in Rajasthan were held on 25 November 2023.
Counting took place on 3 December 2023.
Overall voter turnout: 75.45% (0.73% higher than 2018’s 74.71%).
Postal ballot voting: 0.83%.
EVM voting: 74.62%.
Male voters: 74.53%
Female voters: 74.72%

2. Voting percentage in constituencies

Highest voter turnout:
- Kushalgarh (88.13%) – 86.13% in 2018.
- Pokaran (87.79%) – 87.50% in 2018.
- Tijara (86.11%) – 82.08% in 2018.
Lowest voter turnout:
- Ahor (61.24%) – 61.53% in 2018.

Marwar Junction (61.29%) – 60.42% in 2018.
Sumerpur (61.44%) – 60.89% in 2018.

More female voters:
- Pokaran (88.23%), Kushalgarh (87.54%), Tijara (85.45%).
Less female voters:
- Jodhpur (62.97%), Todabhim (63.22%), Bamanwas (63.63%).

3. Rise and fall in voter turnout

Highest rise:
- Basedi (+9.6%), Taranagar (+7.65%), Aspur (+7.01%).
Highest decline:
- Phalodi (-7.15%), Hindaun (-6.10%), Jaisalmer (-4.79%).

4. Total voting numbers

Total votes polled through EVMs: 3,92,11,399.
Female votes: 1,88,27,294.
Male votes: 2,03,83,757.
Third gender votes: 348.
Valid votes: 3,98,30,823 (99.89%).
Invalid votes: 43,783 (0.11%).
Total votes polled: 3,98,74,606 (75.33%).
Registered voters: 5,29,31,152.

5. Performance of political parties

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 115 seats (majority).
Congress: 69 seats.
Other parties and independents: 15 seats.

6. Political trends and social demographics

Caste equations:
- Jat, Gurjar, OBC and ST voters’ inclination increased towards BJP.
- Congress’s hold on Scheduled Caste and Tribe voters weakened.
Women voters:
- BJP’s women-centric schemes attracted women’s support.
Young voters:
- BJP’s employment and development policies showed an impact.

State Politics of Rajasthan

Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics / Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics / Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics / Determinants and characteristics of Rajasthan politics

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