The true obstacle to progress in many states of India is not deficient infrastructure or systems but an outdated mindset rooted in socio-cultural values that clash with the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Divisive politics, thriving on fragmented identities and short-term electoral gains, exacerbates this crisis, undermining national interests. By prioritising personal and partisan benefits over collective welfare, fostering acceptance of criminality, widening disparities, and exploiting religious polarisation, such politics erodes unity and consensus, leaving societies vulnerable to instability.

At the heart of divisive politics lies the prioritisation of personal or group gains over public good. Politicians often segment society into vote banks based on caste, religion, or region, perpetuating divisions to secure electoral loyalty.

In India, the 2019 general elections saw parties heavily relying on caste-based alliances, with the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party uniting to consolidate Dalit and OBC votes in Uttar Pradesh. While this strategy aimed at electoral success, it deepened social cleavages, diverting attention from universal issues such as economic growth and healthcare reform. Such fragmentation undermines national cohesion, weakening the collective resolve needed for long-term progress.

Says Prof Paras Nath Choudhary, on the Divisive Role of Caste in Indian Politics, “Caste has long been a defining and divisive force in Indian politics, shaping electoral strategies, policy-making, and social dynamics. Political parties often exploit caste identities to consolidate vote banks, tailoring campaigns to appeal to specific caste groups rather than broader national issues. For instance, parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party have built their bases on caste-based mobilisation, while the BJP and Congress also engage in caste arithmetic to secure support." 

The reservation system, intended to uplift marginalised castes, has further entrenched caste divisions, with debates over quotas often sparking tensions. Recent moves to include caste in the 2025 census have reignited controversies, as critics argue it risks deepening social fractures while proponents claim it ensures equitable resource distribution. 

Caste also influences access to power, with dominant castes controlling local governance and resources, perpetuating inequality. Despite India’s constitutional commitment to equality, caste remains a potent tool for political manipulation, hindering social cohesion and meritocracy.

Criminality, increasingly normalised in political spheres, further erodes public trust and national interests. In India, a 2019 Association for Democratic Reforms report revealed that 43 per cent of elected MPs in the Lok Sabha faced criminal charges, including serious offences like murder and corruption. This acceptance of criminality in leadership signals a decay in socio-cultural values, where power trumps integrity.

Rather than fostering accountability, divisive politics shields such leaders to maintain vote banks, as seen in cases where politicians accused of inciting communal violence continue to wield influence. This not only tarnishes democratic institutions but also diverts resources from nation-building to protecting vested interests, according to senior journalist Ajay Kumar Jha.

Socio-economic disparities, sharpened by divisive politics, pose another threat. Policies favouring specific groups—often for electoral appeasement—widen gaps, hindering social assimilation. Globally, economic inequality fuels division. These gaps, left unaddressed, breed resentment, undermining the social contract essential for national stability.

Religion, a potent tool in divisive politics, heightens polarisation. Political rhetoric framing issues as Hindu versus Muslim has fueled mistrust. By exploiting religious identities, politicians sacrifice national unity for short-term gains, creating fault lines that threaten social harmony.

The lack of consensus on major public issues further weakens national interests. According to retired banker PN Agarwal, "In India, contentious policies like farm laws (2020–2021) faced fierce opposition, not due to unified critique but fragmented, region-specific grievances, delaying agricultural reform. Divisive politics thrives on such discord, preventing the unified support needed for transformative change."

Ultimately, divisive politics fosters a fragile unity, where minor disruptions—like protests or communal clashes—upset the delicate balance. The human software—our collective mindset—requires an update to embrace inclusivity, integrity, and consensus. Governments must prioritise civic education, promote interfaith dialogue, and enforce accountability to align socio-cultural values with modern needs. Without this, the pursuit of national interests will remain hostage to the hazards of division, stalling progress in an ever-changing world.