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. 

News Source: The Hindu