Caste, Class, and Democracy: Emerging Patterns in Indian Electoral Politics

This paper examines the evolving dynamics of caste, class, and democratic politics in contemporary India, analyzing how these social structures continue to shape electoral outcomes while simultaneously being transformed by democratic processes. Through an examination of electoral trends, party strategies, and voter behavior patterns, this study argues that while caste remains a significant factor in Indian politics, its influence is increasingly mediated by class considerations, regional variations, and generational changes. The paper explores how India's democratic institutions have both perpetuated and challenged traditional hierarchies, creating new forms of political mobilization that transcend conventional caste-class boundaries.