The Far Right and the Far Left: Modern India and the Threats to Democratic Institutions in India

Abstract

In the last 60 years, Indian democracy has established itself in the mainstream of political action despite serious limits. It has successfully involved a large number of people in the governing process and, despite objections from special interest organisations, brought marginal and caste-oppressed individuals into the election process. Positive reservations for SC and ST, albeit disputed by entrenched upper and middle castes and the traditionally privileged, have provided mobility to the historically oppressed and disprivileged. The rise of Dalit political leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs shows moderate improvements on this front.