VAISHYA COMMUNITY IS A COLLECTION OF 56 SUB-CASTES

VAISHYA COMMUNITY IS A COLLECTION OF 56 SUB-CASTES

7-JUNE-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------The Vaishya—or Baniya—community is a vast collective of 56 sub-castes, comprising 25% of the population in Bihar alone—a figure far exceeding that of Yadavs, Muslims, upper castes, or Dalits. Yet, their political and social standing is the worst among these groups; they are condemned to the lowest rung and suffer political disenfranchisement. Why is this so? Traditionally, ever since the days of the Jan Sangh and through the BJP's evolution, the Vaishya community has developed a habit of marching in lockstep with the BJP. They refuse to vote for anyone else. No matter how they are mistreated—kicked, abused, politically sidelined, or pushed to the margins—they continue to vote for the BJP; effectively, the community has become a bonded laborer or slave to the party. They endure repeated neglect. Everyone knows the BJP is a party of the upper castes—they call the shots and receive all the attention, respect, and prestige. Consider the populations of Rajputs, Brahmins, Bhumihars, and Kayasthas compared to the Vaishyas; yet, it is the former who secure the lion's share of power and representation in the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha. They consume the main meal, while the Vaishya community is served the leftovers. Despite this, the community does not revolt. The Vaishya leaders within the party are spineless, weak, and impotent; they lack the courage to prioritize the community's welfare over their own self-interest. Break free from this slave mentality. Fight for your rights. Draw inspiration from other castes. Elect Vaishya candidates from every party. Shed the stigma of being a slave or bonded laborer to any single party. If you do this just once, no party will dare to usurp your political and social share of power. Stop being supplicants and become masters; watch then as all parties dance attendance upon you. Lead—form the government yourself, become the groom, and make everyone else part of the wedding procession—because, until now, you have not truly utilized your potential.