Marginalized Voters and Supporters: Biradari System, Caste Hierarchy and Rights to Political Participation in Rural Punjab

Abstract

In rural Punjab, biradari system and caste hierarchy are the decisive factors that determine individuals’ rights to political participation. This study examines the political marginalization of members of service-providing caste groups residing in villages due to their subordinate position in caste hierarchy. Primary data was collected by interviewing the members of service-providing and landowning caste groups during Local Bodies’ Election, 2015 and General Election, 2013. The study found that the inferior caste status of service- providers restricts their rights to political participation including rights to vote, contest election, participate in election campaign, and opportunities to acquire leadership roles. Consequently, they are excluded from the system of political patronage that connects villagers with politicians through their biradari representatives. This system of patronage serves the interests of villagers by providing them access to state institutions, especially police and courts, welfare funds and job opportunities. It is found that with decline in caste system, members of service-providing caste groups have started to exercise their rights to vote in elections.