The symbolic invocation of caste identity in electoral politics often outpaces substantive social reform. Critically examine with reference to a recent incident.

Article 17 abolished untouchability in any form over seven decades ago [1], yet the alleged "purification yajna" at Haldwani's Ramlila Ground on 11 August 2026, days after a rally addressed by the Congress president, suggests caste is still invoked more readily as political symbol than dismantled as social reality [2].

How symbolism outpaces reform

• Ritual humiliation survives statutory abolition: "purifying" a venue after a Dalit leader speaks is untouchability in ceremonial dress, precisely the conduct criminalised by the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 [3].
• Protective law turned into ammunition: the same Act was demanded against the ritual's organisers and then invoked in a counter-FIR against Rahul Gandhi over his remarks [2] — rival complaints score political points while the victim-centric purpose recedes.
• Symbolic redressal channels: a memorandum to the President is moral suasion, since investigation and trial rest with State police and the Act's Exclusive Special Courts [3].
• Representation ≠ transformation: 32 SC/ST MPs forming a parliamentary forum [2] signals voice, but reserved seats have not ended everyday caste exclusion.

Yet symbolic assertion also does real work

• Dignity is a constitutional end in itself: Article 17 is both symbol and enforceable right, and public condemnation renews its social force [1].
• Symbolism triggers institutions: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, under Article 338, holds civil-court powers of summons and reports annually to the President [4][5].
• Substantive deepening has occurred: successive amendments widened the offence list and mandated Special Public Prosecutors and Special Courts [3].

Thus, the criticism holds only partly: symbolism is not the opposite of reform but its unfinished half — indispensable for agenda-setting, inadequate as substitute for conviction and rehabilitation. The corrective lies in time-bound investigation, functioning Special Courts, and acting on NCSC recommendations, so that the constitutional promise of Article 17 is realised in practice, not merely proclaimed in politics.