Discussion
How has the Indian political system fragmented since the end of the Congress System in the 1960's? How do you explain the relative decline of Congress and the emergence of lower caste and ethno-linguistic parties since then? Why do lower caste parties predominate in the Hindi belt of northern India, while ethno-linguistic parties have emerged as the alternative to Congress (and the BJP) in other parts. How do you explain the rise of the BJP? What obstacles does it face in attracting additional support, particularly among members of the lower castes? What does the fragmentation of Indian politics portend for the future?