RESEARCH PROPOSAL
THE ROLE OF CASTE IN INDIAN POLITICS ELECTORAL POLITICS
Name: PARI
Affiliation: Daulat ram college
Course: B.A prog. (Political science and Physical education)
Date: 10 February, 2025
ABSTRACT
Caste has been a crucial factor in Indian society, influencing various socio-political and economic
aspects. Our constitutional provisions promoting social justice, caste continues to play a decisive role
in electoral politics. Political parties often engage in caste-based mobilization to secure votes,
shaping electoral strategies and governance outcomes.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
While democracy focuses on equality and merit, caste-based voting patterns persist in India. This
proposed research will examine how caste influences electoral behavior, political party strategies,
and policy-making.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1)How caste influence voting behavior in India?
2)Does political parties use caste-based strategies during elections?
3)What are the limitations of caste-based politics for democratic governance and social justice?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Understanding caste dynamics in electoral politics can help policymakers, scholars, and political
analysts develop strategies for more inclusive governance. It also contributes to debates on whether
caste-based reservations and political mobilization is good or bad for democracy.
LITERATURE REVIEW
* Studies on caste-based voting patterns (Rudolph & Rudolph, 1967)
* Role of caste in party formation and alliances
* Impact of caste-based reservations in politics
* Shifts in caste-based voting in the post-liberalization era
While existing research establishes caste as a dominant factor, this study will explore its evolving
role in contemporary elections, considering urbanization, economic development, and digital media
influence.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This research will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with
qualitative.
Data Collection Methods
* Survey: Conduct surveys with voters across different states to analyze caste-based voting trends.
* Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with political analysts, party members, and voters.
* Election Data Analysis: Study past election results to observe caste-based voting patterns.
* Content Analysis: Examine party manifestos and campaign speeches for caste-based rhetoric.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Caste is expected to remain a strong electoral factor, but its influence may vary based on region and
economic development.
Political parties will likely continue to use caste-based strategies but with evolving narratives, such as
economic backwardness.
Emerging political trends (e.g., Hindutva politics, urbanization) may alter traditional caste dynamics.
REFERENCES
Chandra, K. (2004). Why Ethnic Parties Succeed: Patronage and Ethnic Head Counts in India.
Cambridge University Press.
Kumar, S. (2019). The Changing Role of Caste in Indian Politics: Emerging Trends and Challenges.
Journal of Political Studies, 45(3), 78-94.
Yadav, Y. (1996). Reconfiguration in Indian Politics: State Assemblies Elections, 1993-95. Economic
and Political Weekly.
