From Breadbaskets to Battlegrounds: India's Polarised Prospect

From Breadbaskets to Battlegrounds: India’s Polarised Prospect First Author: Lulu Farshana MSecond Author: Dr. Namrata In India, the growing disparity between rich and the poor is considerably more visible than it was during British colonial rule. Economic inequality is marked by gaps in income, wealth distribution, and access to resources, which fuels resentment and discontent among various socioeconomic groups. This sense of discontent frequently manifests as political polarisation, in which opposing factions align with conflicting ideas and parties ends up in increasing societal differences. Inequality and polarisation have historical connections to the potential for social conflict. A highly unequal or polarized society may be more prone to conflicts, highlighting the social implications of economic disparities. Politicians use these disparities for electoral support, resulting in policies and rhetoric that exacerbate economic inequities. In India, economic inequality and political polarisation are deeply intertwined, exerting significant influence on the nation’s socio-political landscape. Thus, addressing economic inequality is crucial for mitigating political polarisation and fostering a more inclusive and stable democratic environment in India.Key words: economic disparity, income inequality, political polarisation, social conflict Ms. Lulu Farshana MResearch scholarDepartment of Humanities and Social SciencesMaulana Azad National Institute of TechnologyBhopalIndiaPin: 462003Email: [email protected]: +91 9744222003ORCID: 0000-0003-1053-1422&Dr. NamrataDepartment of Humanities and Social SciencesMaulana Azad National Institute of TechnologyBhopalIndiaPin: 462003Email: [email protected]: +91 8707386487 ORCID: 0000-0001-7809-3559