BJP identity politics has now entered a new dimension in the state of Telangana with Go back Marwadi slogan. This is because of the rising economic disparities and growing regional and caste identity politics in the state, which is known as a traditionally cosmopolitan economy.
Marwaris, who have migrated from Rajasthan, have traditionally dominated major economic sectors of Telangana. They dominate major economic sectors of Telangana, including retail, finance, and trade. But this economic growth is not equally shared in society, because of this inequality following concerns raised among people.
- Limited availability of capital and shares for backward caste entrepreneurs
- Traditional trading networks prevalence in wholesale markets
- Concentration of wealth among a few business communities
Around 50-52% of OBCs communities of Telangana’s total population are suffering from this disparity. As they also getting less participation in large-scale commerce and business.
Rapid Urbanization and Economic Disparity in Telangana
The rising regional dissatisfaction/ frustration and economic inequality is not only the problem, but the family-based business networks and the monopoly of few on trade make it difficult for others to establish and enter in the economic order. Because of rapid growth and urbanization, these social inequalities are increasing. Especially the marginalized communities remain disadvantaged in trade activities due to the absence of initiatives and participation, such as:
- Entrepreneurial funding
- Business training initiatives
- Financial credit access
BJP Identity Politics and Its Impact in Telangana
Even during 2026 elections, there is a sharp rise in religious and caste-based extremist narratives. BJP make the identity politics an important component in its election campaign. This, on the one hand, helped BJP to consulates votes in North but on the other, it worsen existing fault lines in society.
According to BBC reports, identity politics and polarization have become hallmarks of recent Indian elections under Modi’s rule. This political scenario promotes caste-based politics, even in areas that were less prone to this, especially in South India.
Similar dynamics of identity politics can be seen in Kerala, where debates over the BJP-backed renaming of the state from Kerala to Keralam sparked widespread cultural and political controversy. For more details, read Kerala to Keralam: BJP Name Change Debate.
Begum Bazaar Controversy Highlights Telangana’s Trade Inequalities
It is one of the oldest and largest South India market in Hyderabad. Economic inequality is very dominant here. Recently, controversy arose about the historical dominance of a few traditional families, including Marwari business families. Other communities and traders are marginalized because of the trade monopoly and political linkages with the BJP of these few. Other castes raise the following concerns as the Telugu OBC traders face difficulties in accessing wholesale trade networks. Although this controversy is economically driven, social media soon turned the debate into a discussion about regional identities and role of the BJP in promoting this, with a trend of #GoBackMarwadi. Read More
Telangana’s Need for Inclusive Development
For a decade, Telangana has enjoyed social harmony and economic prosperity achieved through migration. But BJP identity politics can make it detrimental as it led Telangana to further polarization.
Telangana’s real strength lies in its tradition of social harmony and coexistence, trade, and identity that maintain equilibrium in its society. But these rising economic disparities and conflict are seen as a red flag rather than an opportunity. BJP defined it political narrative through the identity politics that not only disrupts the social balance of society but created polarization among communities. But the real answer does not lie in converting economic conflicts into cultural animosity, but in developing more inclusive economic policies and countering the BJP’s election narrative to keep the tradition of harmony in society alive in Telangana.
