Electoral Politics in India: Dynamics and Democratic Dilemmas

Electoral Politics in India: Dynamics and Democratic Dilemmas is a timely and incisive edited volume that provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s evolving electoral democracy. Synthesising a wide range of scholarly contributions, this work examines the historical evolution, current challenges, and future prospects of democratic practice in India. Grounded in both classical and contemporary democratic theory, it engages with foundational thinkers such as James Bryce, Robert Dahl, Joseph Schumpeter, Giovanni Sartori, and Arend Lijphart, alongside prominent Indian scholars like Rajni Kothari, Yogendra Yadav, and Christophe Jaffrelot. A key strength of the volume is its intersectional and multidisciplinary approach, examining how caste, religion, region, gender, and class influence electoral outcomes, alongside the impact of social media, campaign finance, and digital technologies on democratic participation. Crucially, the book does not refrain from confronting the pressing concerns of democratic regression. It provides a trenchant critique of the post-2014 political landscape, marked by majoritarian populism, centralised authority, and institutional erosion and evaluates the 2024 general election as a potential turning point in resisting authoritarian trends. The inclusion of comparative perspectives, particularly on women’s political representation in India and Sri Lanka, further enhances the analytical richness of the volume. The volume not only documents the current state of democracy but also calls for civic vigilance, inclusive participation, and institutional renewal to safeguard India’s constitutional ethos. Overall, this edited book is a valuable academic contribution for scholars, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in the state of democracy in India.