Analysing Electoral System in India vis-à-vis Representation of Scheduled Castes: A Study of Devanahalli and Mahadevapura Assembly Constituencies in Karnataka.

Abstract

In any democracies, electoral systems are the means through which political representation can be achieved. It is imperative that an electoral system is designed in a way that true will of the people translates into legislature and by true will I mean the true representatives who by votes are authorised to represent the interests of the people. India is home for numerous diversities of caste, race, religion language and cultural aspects. The true essence of democracy can only be realised when we can say those diversities are reflected in the legislature, policies and practices of the nations. This paper carries out a qualitative analysis to understand the merits and demerits of the electoral system of India, First Past the Post, while juxtaposing the design of the electoral system through the question of representation of the Scheduled Castes in India who have been historically subjected caste based oppression and boycott from social life.