Abstract

The presence of numerous pressure groups stands out as a significant driver of democracy in the contemporary political landscape. The term "pressure group" has gained widespread recognition, denoting any organized or unorganized collective employing various pressure tactics. Exploring the role of these groups in influencing governmental decisions is a relatively modern endeavor, with its roots traced back to Arthur F. Bentley's 1908 work "The Process of Government" and later expounded upon by David B. Truman in "The Governmental Process" of 1951. The mid-twentieth century witnessed a surge in scholarly interest regarding the impactful role pressure groups play in shaping government policies, spawning a plethora of studies in this domain. In the context of Indian democracy, pressure groups serve as conduits for translating group interests into governmental policies. Lobbying, mobilizing public opinion, campaigning, providing legislative counsel, endorsing candidates, and publishing viewpoints constitute the familiar arsenal of techniques employed by these groups to wield influence. Despite concerns over their potential to undermine national unity, pressure groups have become indispensable components in democratic governance. In India, pressure groups predominantly fall into two categories: those grounded in ethnic identities and those driven by economic or professional interests. Notably, contemporary trends indicate a constructive role played by pressure groups in formulating sound policies, contributing to India's envisioned trajectory towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

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