KEY COMMUNITIES As Uttarakhand votes today, a look at layers of faultlines

The divide between Thakurs and Brahmins has shaped state politics

What is your typical day like?

I wake up at 5 am and go for a morning walk. Then, I go to the party office and leave to visit different areas in the constituency. This continues till 10 pm.

What is your meal on the go?

Lunch is usually roti and sabzi. I also frequently have rabri.

What is in your bag? These days, I carry fresh fruits.

As temperatures rise, what are your do’s and don'ts for party workers? All of them are from this area. So, they know what to do. Their diet is light and everyone ensures they are adequately hydrated.

What do you do to unwind after campaigning? Actually, I do not get time for anything else, to watch or listen to something. I meet people in the evening after the day's campaign. I also make calls; these usually go up till 2 am. Whenever I am travelling, I check my phone. Important messages also come to me in writing through my staff members.

POLITICS IN India has long been shaped by the interplay of caste and religion, and Uttarakhand, with its history of political flux, is no different.

From the outset, the demand for the Uttarakhand statehood was fuelled by aspirations for development and regional identity. However,theanti-reservationagitation of 1994 in a region dominated by the upper castes added momentum to this long-standing demand, which eventually led to the carving out of Uttarakhand from Uttar Pradesh in 2000.

Sinceuttarakhandstatecame into existence, caste has wielded significant influence in shaping the electoral landscape. It is palpable as all five Lok Sabha seats of the state vote on April 19.

Brahmins, Thakurs

Uttarakhand’s social and political structure tilts significantly towards upper caste groups, with Brahmins and Thakurs constituting the largest voting blocs. Thakurs account for nearly 35% of thestate’spopulation,followedby Brahmins at about 25%.

The state has seen the age-old divide between Brahmins and Thakurs. While Brahmins often dominate the hills of Kumaon,

Thakurs hold considerable influence in the plains of Garhwal.

The state has had a considerable share of the Brahmin and

Thakur leaders. Among the tallest Brahmin leaders is two-time CM B C Khanduri of the BJP. Other prominent Brahmin leaders include former Congress CM Vijay Bahugunaandex-bjpunionminister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

Among the Thakur leaders is the BJP’S incumbent CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, and former CMS Trivendrasinghrawatandbhagat Singh Koshyari of the BJP and Harish Rawat of the Congress.

Regional divides

One faultline in the hill state is also centred on the divide betweentheregionsofkumaonand Garhwal. Historically distinct in terms of culture, dialect, and socio-economic patterns, Kumaon and Garhwal have often harboured different aspirations. Whilekumaonischaracterisedby its valleys, distinct folklore, and agriculture, Garhwal boasts rugged terrain, religious traditions, and martial valour.

Six of the state’s 13 districts fall under the Kumaon region while Garhwal encompasses seven districts. In terms of the Lok Sabha elections,theregionallinesareoftenblurredandthusthedivideassumes lesser significance.

Anotherdivideisbetweenthe hills and plains cutting across Kumaonandgarhwalthatcannot be ignored by parties. While the hills face challenges related to infrastructure, connectivity, and jobs,theplainsboastbetteraccess to resources, economic opportunities, and urban amenities.

PTI Priests at a BJP rally in Rishikesh.