It is most unlikely that the recent Supreme Court verdict that outlawed campaigning for votes in the name of religion, caste and other identities, will prove effective in any way. The reason for this is that religion and caste have become so integrated with our electoral system that no court or election commission, howsoever powerful they are in view of constitutional powers vested in them, can control the parties and persons from using it to garner votes.

Deterrent it is not
On the second day of this year, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark majority verdict that held as “corrupt” the practice of candidates appealing for votes on the basis of these identities.