Electoral Politics in India

Paper Code: 
24POL 423-B
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will focus on the study of various national and regional political parties of India, pressure groups, Election Commission, election machinery in the light of political process to gain an understanding of the dynamics of actual politics.

 

 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24 POL 423-B

Electoral Politics in India

(Theory)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO133: Evaluate the characteristics and dynamics of the party system in India, with a critical assessment of its effects on the political landscape.

CO134: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the origins, ideologies, structures, and operations of major national political parties in India, while critically evaluating their roles and significance.

CO135: Analyze the connections between regional political parties and national parties in India's federal system, discerning the roles and influences of pressure groups, and effectively differentiate between political parties and pressure groups.

CO136: Outline the structure, functions, and roles of the Election Commission, critically evaluating electoral reforms, and analyzing the impact of public opinion and media on the political process.

CO137: Investigate the phenomena of defection and coalition politics in Indian politics, and assess the intersection of crime and politics within the Indian context.

CO138: Contribute effectively in Course specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects
 

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Party System in India

Party System in India, Features and Nature of Party System in India

 

12.00
Unit II: 
National Political Parties

National Political Parties- Congress, BJP, BSP, CPM. Origin, Programme, Structure, Organization.

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Regional Political Parties

Regional Political Parties and its linkages with National Parties and the Federal Setup; Pressure Groups-Meaning, kinds, Role, Difference between Political Parties and pressure Groups

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Election Commission

Election Commission- Organs, Functions and Role. Electoral Reforms. Public Opinion, Role of Media.

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Issues in Indian Politics

Politics of Defection, Coalition Politics; Crime and Politics

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Chakrabarty,B.,& Pandey, R.K, (2021), Electoral Dynamism of Indian Politics: Deciphering the Enigma, New Delhi, Sage
  • Chakrabarty,B.,& Pandey, R.K,  (2020), Reconceptualizing Indian Democracy: The Changing Electorate, New Delhi, Sage
  • Avasthi, A.P.,(2020), Indian Political System,Agra, Laxmi Narain Agrawal
  • Fadia, B., (2021),Indian Government and Politics, Agra, Sahitya Bhawan
  • Johri, J.C.,(2012),Indian Government and Politics (vol.1&II), Delhi, Vishal Publications

 

References: 
  • Devasahyam, M.G.,(2022), Electoral Democracy?: An Inquiry into the Fairness and Integrity of Elections in India, New Delhi, Authors Upfront
  • Ali,Z., (2020).Communities as Votes Bank: Elections in India, New Delhi, Aakar Books
  • Jain,K., (2020), Electoral Reforms in India: A comparison With U.K. & U.S. Legal Systems, India, Oxford University Press
  • Palshikar, S., (2016), Party Competition in Indian States: Electoral Politics in Post-Congress Polity, India, Oxford University Press

 

 

Academic Year: 
2024-25
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