Caste equations have little effect in Himachal poll outcome

Caste equations have always played a significant role in the Himachal politics especially in Kangra district, but unusually it was not visible in the elections as it had little repercussion in the poll outcome.

Caste equations have always played a significant role in the Himachal politics especially in Kangra district, but unusually it was not visible in the elections as it had little repercussion in the poll outcome.

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Except for a few constituencies, the unanticipated verdict given by Kangra - shows that the electors in the district have started thinking beyond caste lines.

Selection of candidates made by the two major parties in Kangra had suggested that caste factor receives undue importance overriding all the other issues plaguing the region.

However, in this election the hardwork done by BJP and Congress on analysing caste equation and strategies made on caste line paid off a little for them especially for saffron party which was thrown out of power.

Rajput is the dominating community in Kangra followed by Chaudhary, Brahmins, Schedule Caste and Gaddi. However, the analysis of poll outcome shows that the caste factor was not in play in this election.