The New Mandal-Mandir: How Caste and Religion are Being Digitally Weaponized in Indian Elections

Introduction

India's politics has entered a new phase where caste and religion — once mobilized through rallies and speeches — are now engineered through algorithms. The twin pillars of Indian identity, Mandal and Mandir, have moved from the streets to the screens, reshaping how political influence is created and controlled.

From Demography to Data

In earlier elections, caste calculations were done manually by local leaders who knew their constituencies inside out. Today, that arithmetic is managed by data scientists and digital strategists. Voter lists, census data, and social-media activity are merged to map sub-castes, local clusters, and even neighborhood loyalties.

Campaigns no longer target broad categories like "OBCs." They focus on micro-segments — Kurmis, Koeris, Mallahs, and others — each receiving customized promises and digital messaging. Artificial intelligence now predicts which candidate will best fit a constituency's social makeup, turning caste politics into a form of behavioral targeting.

Digital Empowerment — and Exploitation

For Dalit and Adivasi communities, digital media has become both a platform of empowerment and a new arena of control. Independent voices, activists, and creators use social networks to share their experiences and demand justice. But political operations use the same networks to push welfare narratives and emotional appeals, softening criticism through personalized stories about inclusion and development.

The result is a delicate balance between representation and manipulation — where data decides which message each voter sees.

Religion in the Algorithm Age

Religious polarization, too, has been redefined by the digital ecosystem. Platforms like WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and YouTube spread religious imagery and coded messages faster than any rally can. Political consultants now design what experts call Digital Communal Polarisation — a system that fuels identity emotions for engagement, not understanding.

Events such as temple inaugurations or historical anniversaries are turned into viral spectacles through coordinated influencer campaigns. Encrypted apps carry low-cost propaganda that can reach millions while remaining nearly impossible to trace.

Law vs. Technology

India's election laws were written for posters and processions, not pixels. The Model Code of Conduct has little power against algorithmic propaganda or deepfake videos. Even when violations are detected, much of the digital content originates from servers outside India, creating a legal vacuum where accountability disappears.

Policy Takes a Backseat

While identities are amplified online, issues like jobs, healthcare, and education fade from discussion. Algorithms don't recognize inequality within caste or faith groups — they simply reinforce existing labels. This digital flattening of identity discourages policy-based debate and strengthens emotion-based voting.

The Politix Matrix View: A Policy Pivot

To preserve the integrity of democracy, India needs clear rules for digital campaigning. Politix Matrix recommends three key reforms:

Label political content:

Any post or ad using caste or religion should carry a visible political tag to ensure transparency.

Refocus on measurable outcomes:

Parties should communicate real results — employment data, welfare reach, and local infrastructure impact — instead of symbolic promises.

Build voter literacy:

Introduce nationwide digital-media education to help citizens identify manipulation and misinformation before it spreads.

Matrix Thought

Caste and religion are part of India's history; algorithms are part of its future. When the two intersect, democracy must evolve to protect itself.

Technology can empower, but only if used with conscience. At Politix Matrix, we believe that data should strengthen democracy — not divide it. The future of Indian politics depends on whether digital innovation can coexist with ethical intention.