The Return of the Periphery

Abstract

The article highlights some of the achievements of decentralisation reforms in India. There is strong empirical support for the conclusion that, as a result of the reforms, Indian citizens feel that their influence has increased and that they are closer to the holders of power. On the other hand, there is nothing to suggest that the state has necessarily become less corrupt as a result of the reforms—something that is often expected to result from decentralisation. Current developments may therefore lead to a growing gap between expected and actual outcomes, a kind of heightened relative deprivation, which will in turn lead to political tensions. As a result of this process it is also probable that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will develop in the direction of a purely right-wing party with strong support from the wealthy in the cities. And the Congress Party will proceed as a party increasingly focused on winning elections by taking the side of the poor in the countryside and sharpening the focus on agricultural policy.