North-South Divide in Indian Politics

Introduction:

BJP’s loss in recent Assembly elections in Karnataka highlights its absence of state government in South India.

South India has historically followed different electoral trends compared to the north. The article explores the reasons behind the north-south divide in politics.

Political Dimension of North-South Divide:

Language of politics in south and north India is distinct, leading to different issues and concerns.
Regional parties emerged in the south, asserting that the Congress party did not represent their specific interests.
Regional identity and protection of state interests were emphasized by the southern regional parties.
- Example: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala.

Role of Religion:

Brahminical Hinduism plays a dominant role in the north, while the south witnessed movements against the caste order.
The perception of religion differs between the north and south.
Hindutva narrative faces geographical boundaries in the south due to cultural structures and movements.
- Example: Anti-caste movements in the south, dominance of Brahminical Hinduism in the north.

Impact of Partition:

The Hindu-Muslim cleavage and the riots following Partition have a lasting impact on the north-south divide.
The effect of Partition was different in the two regions.
Indian Constitution provisions, such as secularism and protection of minority rights, aim to address religious tensions.
- Example: Article 25-28 of the Indian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and protecting religious rights.

Historical and Social Differences:

South India experienced social movements during the colonial period, addressing caste inequalities.
Anti-Brahmin movements in Tamil Nadu and Veerashaiva movement in north Karnataka challenged orthodox Brahminical Hinduism.
Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes asserted themselves late in north India compared to the south.
- Example: Anti-Brahmin movement in Tamil Nadu, Dalit movements in the south.

Differences in Economic Growth:

Economic disparities between the north and south began in the colonial period.
South India underwent economic transformation with British investments in education, ports, and industries.
South focused on long-term poverty alleviation and investment in health and education, while the north employed short-term wealth redistributive strategies.
- Example: Mysore and Travancore’s investments in education, British investments in Madras and Bombay Presidency.

Projection for the Future:

The north-south gap is unlikely to close in the near future.
Economic migration from the north to the south may bring changes in the long run.
Cultural differences and unique cultural structures will persist.
Example: Economic migration from Uttar Pradesh to southern states.

Worsening of North-South Divide:

Economic disparities between the north and south have worsened.
Identity politics and competitive populism hindered long-term policies in the north.
Imposition of Hindi on the south and BJP’s perception as an upper-caste party deepen political divisions.
- Example: Imposition of Hindi, lower caste movements’ views on BJP.