Indian Politics Research Articles

The Great Transition Towards Populism in Indian Politics: Populist Attitudes and Populist Radical Right (PRR) Voting in the 2019 Indian General Election

While extant research has identified several determinants of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s unprecedented victory in the 2019 general election, they have overlooked the party’s populist radical right (PRR) nature, particularly under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Based on the demand side of PRR voting, this article examines the effect of Indian voters’ populist attitudes on their voting choices for the BJP during the 2019 election. Using binary logistic regression (BLR) and conducting a robustness check, this article identifies that the variable of individuals’ populist attitudes does indeed exert a significant effect on their vote choices for the BJP during the 2019 election. In addition to this main variable, a number of controls that were included in the analysis were also found to be significantly correlated with the dependent variable. In light of the findings, the article proposes some theoretical implications.

Verbal Alchemy: Decoding Political Power Play in India through Rhetoric

This paper analyzes how language shapes political power dynamics in India's complex linguistic landscape. It scrutinizes rhetorical techniques used by national and regional political parties across the ideological spectrum, including euphemisms, doublespeak, code-switching, shifting political correctness, and debates around language policy. Case studies exemplify how such linguistic tools frame policies, assert regional identities, signal social reform orientations, justify controversial actions, and expand appeal across constituencies. The analysis reveals how language is intricately tied to messaging, positioning, and electoral machinery of Indian parties. Examining political rhetoric and linguistic conflicts provides vital perspective on the deeper regional tensions, social reform commitments, and power structures underlying Indian politics.

Critical Reflections on Economy and Politics in India: A Class Theory Perspective, written by Das, Raju. J.

Critical Reflections on Economy and Politics in India: A Class Theory Perspective, written by Das, Raju. J.

The Rising Tide of Hindu Nationalism: Threats and Opportunities for Peace

Observers of Indian politics have noted rising acts of violence against Muslims in an atmosphere of increasing Hindu nationalism during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. Hinduism, however, like all religions, also contains many resources for peace. Looking to both theory and practice, this piece examines how we can theorize Hinduism and religion in general as a source of protection for peace and human rights. It also looks for peaceful practices that may be of use in the contemporary climate of violence. I conclude that we can only get to peace through the acknowledgement of religious motivations within politics and a renewed commitment to the truth.

Indian Politics and Political Polarization

Indian Politics and Political Polarization

Devotional Fanscapes: Bollywood Star Deities, Devotee-Fans, and Cultural Politics in India and Beyond

Devotional Fanscapes: Bollywood Star Deities, Devotee-Fans, and Cultural Politics in India and Beyond

The India League and the Condition of India: Agnotological Imperialism, Colonial State Violence and the Making of Anticolonial Knowledge 1930–4

Abstract This article explores the 1932 visit to India of a delegation of Labour party figures associated with the India League, a prominent anticolonial organisation based in London, charged with investigating the colonial state violence unleashed by ‘Ordinance Rule’. It also examines efforts taken by the Government of India, India Office and Indian Political Intelligence to suppress their findings, through which it explores a dialectic between anticolonial knowledge-making and agnotological imperialism, which often took the form of the latter ‘exceptioning’ examples produced by the former of excessive colonial state violence. It offers the conclusion that the contradictions between liberal imperialism and the rule of colonial difference and repression in the age of mass nationalism in India and mass democracy in Britain meant that liberal imperialism in India increasingly flowed, paradoxically, from illiberalism in Britain.

Present Scenario of Post-poll Alliance in India

India is one of the greatest democracies in the World, however, the 2021 Economic Intelligence Unit ranked India at 46th position on Democracy Index with a score of 6.91. Such low ranking of in Democracy Index shows the mirror to changing opportunistic political culture prevailing in India. Free and fair election is the basis of any democracy where the government is formed as per the mandate of the voters. However, recent years in Indian polity has seen the increase in the trend of post poll alliance which provides the opportunity to form government by bypassing the public mandate. This left voters in a state of confusion where they are left uncertain of their role in democracy. The increasing trend of post poll alliances is a severe challenge to democracy which cannot be dealt with existing election laws. The present scenario of Indian politics demands the formulation of new laws to put a stop to this unethical practice of opportunistic politics

The Impact of Political Stability on Regional Economic Growth in India: A Comparative Study of State-Level Development

This study explores the intricate dynamics of Indian politics, focusing on the interplay between historical legacies, electoral processes, and socio-economic factors shaping contemporary governance. As the world's largest democracy, India offers a unique perspective on political evolution influenced by colonial history, diverse cultural contexts, and rapid economic changes. The analysis covers the historical foundations of India's political system, the impact of major political parties and leaders, and the role of elections in determining policy outcomes. Key areas of focus include the influence of caste and religion on voting behavior, the effects of political campaigns and media, and the evolution of political alliances. The study also addresses current challenges such as corruption, governance inefficiencies, and the impact of globalization on domestic politics. Findings indicate that while India's democratic institutions are resilient, significant disparities in political representation and governance persist, highlighting the need for reforms to enhance transparency and address socioeconomic divides. This examination provides valuable insights into the complexities of democratic governance in a diverse and rapidly evolving society. Additionally, the study underscores the role of regional politics and local governance structures in shaping national policies. It highlights how regional parties and state-level leaders influence broader political trends and contribute to the complexity of India's federal system. By incorporating these perspectives, the analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of how local and national forces interact, shaping the overall political landscape of India

Review of Bidyut Chakrabarty and Rajendra K. Pandey, Modern Indian Political Thought: Text and Context

Review of Bidyut Chakrabarty and Rajendra K. Pandey, Modern Indian Political Thought: Text and Context

Digital Democracy in India: How Social Media Shapes Political Narratives?

Social media has significantly impacted the landscape of Indian electoral politics, transforming the dynamics of political campaigning and voter engagement. The adoption of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram in Indian political campaigns represents a fundamental shift in how political messages are crafted and disseminated. The 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections highlight the strategic role of these platforms in shaping electoral outcomes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has employed social media not only as a tool for broadcasting campaign messages but also for creating interactive, data-driven strategies that personalize voter engagement. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of social media on Indian politics, including its influence on voter behaviour, campaign strategies, and public opinion. It explores both the empowering aspects of digital engagement and the challenges, such as misinformation, echo chambers, and algorithmic biases. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media has redefined political communication and its implications for democratic processes in India.

Exploring Media Perspectives: Coverage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Leading Indian English Newspapers

In September 2023, Indian politics witnessed two significant events: the transition from the 96-year-old parliament building to a new one in Sansad Marg Area and the passing of the Constitution 128th (Amendment) Bill, 2023—the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Women’s Reservation Bill, which passed with an overwhelming majority in both the Houses of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), culminates several previous attempts. The journey of this bill began in 1996, followed by attempts in 1998, 1999 and 2008, with a 2010 bill passing in Rajya Sabha but lapsing in Lok Sabha. At the time of its passing, around 15% of Lok Sabha members were women, a record high. This historical context is crucial to understanding the significance of the bill and its impact on Indian politics. As a powerful influencer of public opinion, the media responded to the Women’s Reservation Bill with praise and criticism, reflecting the diverse public opinion. Some hailed it as a revolutionary step, while others dismissed it as an ‘election jumla (lofty promise)’. The bill’s delayed applicability and the perceived neglect of OBC reservations sparked controversy. This study examines how the news media framed the Women’s Reservation Bill, using content analysis of six leading English newspapers in India: The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Hindu, The Indian Express, The Pioneer and The Statesman. The researchers identified various frames, including informational, political, policy and conflict that the media used to shape public perception and understanding of the bill. The newspaper coverage intensified from September 19 onwards, offering a mix of news stories, analyses and graphical representations, reflecting the complexity of the bill and the public discourse surrounding it.

Why Women Exit Politics: The Case of Two Grassroots Activists in a Slum in New Delhi

This article investigates why it is so difficult for women to succeed in politics in India, and it analyses this from a grassroots perspective in a slum in New Delhi. Based on longitudinal ethnographic research, I explore and compare in-depth the political trajectories of two women activists and examine why, despite being successful leaders of women and allied with male political ‘godfathers’, they have ended up leaving grassroots activism altogether. I show that both women were first pulled into political activism by NGOs working on women’s empowerment, that both later allied with male politicians to help draw ‘the women’s vote’ and that both women’s respective success largely rested on their concern with so-called women’s causes. However, neither of them was able to build up their own patronage networks, which is necessary to gain an independent political standing in politics. They remained dependent on their male political mentors and on family support; losing one or both of these instigated their respective exits from activism and politics.

The punitive gap: NRC, due process and denationalisation politics in India’s Assam

The creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is indicative of the sharpening tensions surrounding citizenship, belonging and integration in India. Officially aimed at demarcating the “legitimate citizens”, its implementation is believed to have resulted in the partial exclusion of the so-called “Doubtful Voters” and denationalisation of the “illegitimate residents”. These frictions associated with citizenship identity and rights are nowhere as acute as in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, where measures of retroactive revocation, administrative erasure and withdrawal of citizenship rights have been systematically deployed against religious and linguistic minorities. Using new research with some NRC rejected applicants in western Assam and other materials, this article identifies the central aspects of the implementation gap in the crucial, albeit problematic task of locating the rightful “Assamese-Indian” citizens. Linking our work to the idea of the ‘process is the punishment’, we conceptualise these conspicuous inconsistencies in the NRC citizenship determination processes and their results as the “punitive gap”. We have identified the distinctive contours of this gap in terms of the massive economic costs, intensification of social (including gender and religion-based) inequalities, increased control through social suspicion and unpredictable outcomes for the marginal Miya Muslim community. The article highlights how this punitive gap has constantly eroded key components of due process, of procedural and substantive protections of the rights of individuals, during the NRC determination exercise and after the release of the final draft list.

Linguistic landscape as a tool of identity negotiation: The case of the Nepali ethnic communities in West Bengal

Ethnic identity is dynamic and hence mutable concerning time and place. It is a social construction that involves society and its actors. Ethnic identity as a social construction is not free from the negotiation process. Such negotiations occur through various tools, the linguistic landscape being one of them. Despite the plethora of literature on identity negotiation in a multicultural and multilingual context, the linguistic landscape has not been sufficiently explored, especially considering it a tool in the ethnic identity negotiation process. Thus, how an ethnic community negotiates identity through linguistic landscape has been the major quest of the research. Therefore, the research tries to empirically examine the process of identity negotiation among the Nepali ethnic communities of Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. 60 shop signs of the Nepali ethnic communities were photographed, applying the photographic data collection method. Unstructured interviews with each Nepali shop owner (ethnic sign producer) were also conducted. Photographic data were analyzed semiotically, and thematic and narrative analysis methods were adopted to interpret the interview data. In general, a mixed-method approach was used to analyze the data. The findings suggest that ethnic members symbolically ethnicize their shop signs to negotiate identity. The study shows how LL can be a tool of ethnic identity politics in India. The study signifies how ethnic communities assert identity through LL signage and how LL acts as an effective tool for identity negotiation in contemporary multicultural and multilingual Indian society. Also, this study contends that ethnicity is a relevant aspect of contemporary society and a political resource to ethnic communities.

Celebrification through Media Spectacles: Emerging Forms of Performativity in Indian Politics

We live at a time when new forms of mediatisation are conditioning the political landscape of India, especially in the context of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the country. As heat wave conditions prevailed in many parts of the country, the quantity of time spent by politicians for on-ground campaigning was lesser in comparison with earlier elections. The hostile climatic conditions together with the intensity of digital empowerment, access to smartphones and availability of cheap data facilitated the formation of a thriving ecosystem of digital campaigning. The country witnessed political parties using digital spaces to an unprecedented level to inform, influence and even mislead the prospective voters. The focus of the paper will be on the strategic use of social media networks for the current elections in India to transform politicians into celebrities and the acts of performativity choreographed to entice the citizens with media spectacles.

To be upper caste/to be a victim

ABSTRACT By treating the upper caste as an ethnographic category, this article shows what an endeavour of flipping the ethnographic gaze away from Dalits and onto the upper caste looks like. In studying upper caste victimhood, this article sees how being a victim acts as an important tool of mobilization and collectivization among upper castes. In interweaving cultural analysis and ethnography, I engage the complex relationship between regimes of affect, power, and caste as they implicate the production of a twisted, weaponized form of vulnerability. When contemporary Indian politics is saturated with narratives of upper caste pain, which thereby stand as a testimony to what it means to be a human, I understand upper caste affect via their wound to highlight the simultaneity of upper caste's humanity and their inhumanity. I argue that we should take seriously and examine upper caste ‘woundedness' as it helps us better understand the embodied nature of caste and its relationship with violence. In doing so, I re-create modes of citation and knowledge production using a language which doesn’t imagine the marginalized body to hold the burden of doing the work of pain, trauma, and violence.

Dalit Writing in English: A Dalitification of the History of Indian Writing

Abstract: This essay makes a pedagogical intervention in the theorisation of Indian writing in English (IWE). It asserts that postcolonial studies and anthologies of IWE have deliberately excluded Dalit writing, which narrates the caste discrimination experienced by the majority of the Indian population. It proves the discipline of IWE—the writing and its study—has been hegemonised by upper-caste writers and academics who disregard the historical presence and literary worth of Dalit writing. This essay proposes that Dalit writing in English (DWE) should be viewed as an independent area of study. It traces the history of Dalit writing through three waves in conjunction with Indian politics and argues that DWE achieved the "Dalitification" of English by challenging Brahmanical control over the language and introducing caste into the reading and writing of English from a Dalit perspective.

Panchayati Raj Politics in India: A Critical Appraisal

Panchayati Raj Politics in India: A Critical Appraisal

In India’s Democracy a Study of Political Parties: a Comparative Study of NDA Alliance and INDIA Alliance Working and Their Behavior’s

India has a democracy with numerous political parties. However, since 2014, challenging questions have arisen regarding the future of the Indian constitution. This study examines what may come next after the current NDA and INDIA alliances, and whether they will maintain their positions or be replaced by other parties. It explores whether other parties are functioning effectively and considers India's democratic model, in which democracy is meant to be a government where everyone has a share, but this is not always evident in practice. The purpose of this study is to understand the political behaviors and workings of the INDIA and NDA alliances in making India a world-level hegemonic power, and to identify what steps each should take. It exaOrigin, Role of Parties and working, NDA, INDIA, Era of Challenge, Conflict among two, Policy Making, Tenure of NDA and INDIA, Study of Leadership, Alliance members mines the roles they have played at the grassroots level and the possibility of a new party emerging in Indian politics. The study also considers whether the Indian people will continue to accept the hegemony of these alliances. It provides a comparative analysis of their workings and behaviors.