'Caste system threatening democracy in Birmingham' POLITICS.(News) From: The Birmingham Post (England) | Date: May 8, 2008 | COPYRIGHT 2008 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: By Paul Dale Public Affairs Editor

The "disgusting" caste system of the Indian sub-continent is threatening to destroy the credibility of local and national elections in Birmingham, a leading Asian city councillor insisted last night.

Tariq Khan, deputy leader of the council Liberal Democrat group, said "gangster politics" and intimidatory tactics arising from the 'biraderi' clan system were being used to force people, particularly women, to vote agai...