The content discusses the representation of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized communities in the cabinet ministries of the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh in India. It is noted that the general and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have a larger share of cabinet berths, with powerful portfolios. Conversely, Dalits and tribals have fewer cabinet berths, with seemingly less influential portfolios.
The statistics reveal that out of 48 cabinet ministers in the three states, 33 belong to the general and OBC groups, while 15 are from the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). In Madhya Pradesh, eight of the 21 cabinet ministers are OBCs, while seven are from the general category. Four are STs, and two are SCs. In Rajasthan, six of the 15 cabinet ministers are OBCs, while four are from the general category. Three are STs, and two are SCs. In Chhattisgarh, 50 percent of the 12-member cabinet consists of OBCs, with two general-category cabinet ministers, three STs, and one SC. Among the six deputy chief ministers in the three states, four belong to the general category or OBCs, and two are SCs. The trend is similar in other BJP-led states across India.
The upper castes and OBCs predominantly hold the most sought-after portfolios, such as Home, Finance, PWD, Health, and Energy, while the ST and SC ministers are assigned primarily social justice and tribal affairs. However, there are exceptions, such as an SC serving as the finance minister in Madhya Pradesh and a Dalit as deputy chief minister in Rajasthan. Nevertheless, the overall trend indicates the dominance of upper caste and OBCs in key ministerial positions.
There are also discussions about the importance of the assigned portfolios, with some ministers arguing that all ministries have the same goal — to fulfill the aspirations of their people. Despite this, political analysts note that non-dominant backward castes still lack their share in the power structure, and assert that it takes time for other backward communities to reach a level to share the power structure and assert their dominance.
Overall, the article highlights the disparity in cabinet representation among different caste groups in the three states, with the dominance of the upper caste and OBCs, and the limited share of Dalits and tribals in influential portfolios.