Ethnic Polarization in Punjab and the Role of AKali Dal

Abstract

Pluralism is one of the most essential features of the present day societies. India is a classic example of a plural society with multi layered ethnic identities like language, religion, caste, tribe, etc. that cut across each other. The polarization of communities based on these identities is a continuous process in India. It is against this background that the present paper attempt to analyse the phases in which polarization process had taken place and is being taking place within the Sikh community in Punjab and the role of the Akali Dal in stimulating and supporting such process. The polarization process in Punjab which started in the pre independence period between Hindus, Muslim and Sikhs continued even in the post independence era between Hindus and Sikhs which resulted in the creation of the state of Punjab. However such polarization did not benefit the Akali Dal, a regional party in Punjab, as it failed to achieve electoral majority in Punjab single handedly, nor did it bring to a closure to the further process of ethnic polarization in Punjab. As a matter of fact a new form of polarization started within the Sikh community on the basis of caste where the dalits raise their voice of dissent and opposition against the Jat Sikhs.