3 Brahmins, 2 Vaishyas, and 2 Kshatriyas Chief Ministers: Understanding BJP's Social and Caste Equation

By appointing leaders from diverse caste backgrounds as chief ministers, the BJP has crafted its strategy to ensure caste balance, particularly by giving representation to OBC, ST, and Brahmin communities, thereby attempting to engage various social groups.
Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath, Rekha Gupta, and Bhajanlal Sharma (Photo- PTI)

Source: aajtak

After a prolonged wait of 27 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finally seized power in Delhi and entrusted Rekha Gupta with the responsibility of Chief Minister. Hailing from the Vaishya community, a prominent merchant class, the appointment of Rekha Gupta is seen as a move to further strengthen this alliance, as the Baniya community has long been a stalwart and reliable vote bank for the BJP. Let's delve into the castes of chief ministers governing BJP-led states...

1. Assam-

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, belongs to the Assamese Brahmin caste from the Sarma community. Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam on May 10, 2021, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal.

BJP's strategy of assigning chief minister positions to different ethnic groups highlights its emphasis on caste balance. By representing communities like OBC, ST, and Brahmins, the party aims to address various social constituencies.

Source: aajtak

2. Arunachal Pradesh-

Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, belongs to the Monpa tribe residing in Tawang district. Renowned for their rich cultural heritage, including festivals, traditional dance forms, and unique rituals, Pema Khandu was sworn in as Chief Minister following Nabam Tuki in 2016.

3. Chhattisgarh-

Vishnu Dev Sai, from the Kanwar community included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST), currently serves as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The Kanwar community predominantly resides in the state's northern part, especially in the Sarguja division.

By appointing leaders from diverse backgrounds, the BJP strengthens its appeal across communities, focusing particularly on engaging OBC, ST, and Brahmin sections.

Source: aajtak

4. Goa-

Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, is a prominent figure in Maratha politics, representing the Maratha community, a significant group within the state.

5. Gujarat-

Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, identifies with the Gujarati Kadva Patidar community, a pivotal caste recognized for its substantial contributions to the state's economy, politics, and culture.

6. Haryana-

The Chief Minister of Haryana, Naib Singh Saini, hails from the Saini community, categorized under the Other Backward Class (OBC). Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini's roots trace back to Mangoli Jattan village in Kurukshetra, although his family relocated to Mirzapur in the Ambala district.

BJP continues to resonate with multiple social groups by demonstrating inclusivity in its leadership choices, providing a balanced representation among communities.

Source: aajtak

7. Madhya Pradesh-

Serving as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav belongs to the Yadav community in the OBC category. Mohan Yadav's family has a strong background in politics and social service, with his father, Poonamchand Yadav, being a prominent community leader and his mother, the late Leelabai Yadav, a homemaker.

By appointing leaders from various communities to chief minister roles, the BJP aims to project a carefully maintained caste balance, particularly in OBC, ST, and Brahmin segments.

Source: aajtak

8. Maharashtra-

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, is associated with the Brahmin caste. Fadnavis comes from a politically strong family background, with his father, Gangadharrao Fadnavis, being a notable politician and member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur.

The BJP's inclusive approach in ministerial appointments highlights its strategic caste balance, particularly in OBC, ST, and Brahmin communities.

Source: aajtak

9. Odisha-

Mohan Charan Majhi, the 15th Chief Minister of Odisha, is from the Santhal tribe, listed under Scheduled Tribes (ST). Born on January 6, 1972, in Raykala, Keonjhar district, Majhi's prominent political ascent is considered significant for the Santhal community. In 1997, he assumed the post of secretary of the BJP's tribal wing in the state's unit.

10. Rajasthan-

Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, belongs to the influential Brahmin community. Born to a simple family, his father, Kishan Swaroop Sharma, was a farmer, and his mother, Gomati Devi, is a homemaker.

The BJP articulates a strategy of caste balance by appointing chief ministers from diverse backgrounds, aiming to captivate different social segments.

Source: aajtak

11. Tripura-

Manik Saha, the current Chief Minister of Tripura, belongs to the Vaishya community, falling under the General Category.

12. Uttar Pradesh-

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a member of the Kshatriya (Thakur) community. Born Ajay Singh Bisht on June 5, 1972, in Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, his stature in Indian politics has grown due to his staunch Hindutva ideology and influential leadership in Uttar Pradesh for the BJP.

The BJP's allocation of CM positions across diverse ethnicities highlights its pledge to caste balance, engaging particularly with OBC, ST, and Brahmin communities.

Source: aajtak

13. Uttarakhand-

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, belongs to the Kumaoni Rajput (Thakur) caste. His family comes from a modest background, with his father, Sher Singh Dhami, being a retired army officer, having served as a Subedar, and his mother, Vishnu Devi, a homemaker. Dhami completed his primary education in Pithoragarh, later moving to Nagla Terai Bhabar in Khatima, and earned an LLB degree from Lucknow University.

The BJP crafts a narrative focusing on inclusivity in its chief minister appointments, strategically engaging with OBC, ST, and Brahmin communities.

Source: aajtak

Impact of Caste Equation

By appointing chief ministers from diverse ethnic groups, the BJP underscores its strategic approach to caste balance, specifically by granting representation to OBC, ST, and Brahmin communities, thus attempting to connect with different social factions.

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