Indian politics is shaped by a dynamic interplay of regional and national forces, where caste, religion, economic shifts, and governance structures all contribute to its complexity. This book provides an in-depth exploration of state-specific political trajectories, highlighting the evolution of electoral trends, governance strategies, and the growing role of federalism.
From the impact of economic liberalization to the rise of coalition politics, the text examines how Indias states have transitioned from identity-based politics to a more development-driven agenda. The increasing integration of states with global markets, the decentralization of power through panchayat elections, and the restructuring of regional leadership all point to a significant transformation in Indias democratic landscape.
In recent years, a new political narrative has emerged, marking a shift in governance models that prioritize economic growth, foreign investment, and grassroots electoral strategies. The evolving role of civil society, administrative reforms, and changing federal relations have redefined the balance between the Centre and the states.
By analysing diverse political patterns across regionsranging from the assertion of regional autonomy to the growing influence of global capitalthis book offers a comprehensive understanding of contemporary state politics in India. It will benefit scholars, policymakers, or an observer of Indian democracy. This edited volume provides essential insights into the forces shaping the countrys future.
1. Preface,- 2. Introduction.- 3. Politics of Development versus
Populism in Andhra Pradesh.- 4. Political Dynamics of Arunachal Pradesh:
Continuity and Change.- 5. Trajectory of Assam Politics: Ascending BJP,
Dwindling AGP and Resurging Congress .- 6. Caste, Politics and Development in
Bihar.- 7. Chhattisgarh: From Maoist Dominance to BJP Dominance.- 8.
Electoral Dynamics in Delhi: 2013-2025.- 9. Mapping Political Dynamics in
Gujarat: Continuity, Change and Contestation.- 10. Dynamics of State Politics
in Haryana.- 11. Hill Politics of Himachal Pradesh.- 12. Political Dynamics,
Identity and Caste in Jammu and Kashmir.- 13. Politics in Karnataka:
Development, Welfare and Decay.- 14. Religious Identities, Marxist Assertions
and Changing Nature of Political Aspirations in Kerala, 1957-2024.- 15. Rise
and Decline of Maratha Domination in Maharashtra.- 16. Politics in Manipur: A
Challenging Future.- 17. Ethnic Politics in Meghalaya.- 18. Mizoram Politics:
Reconfiguring Old Ethnicity with New.- 19. The Naga Homeland Movement and
Politics in Nagaland: Historical Trajectory and Contemporary Relevance.- 20.
Themes in Odisha Politics: An Account.- 21. Dynamic Politics of Puducherry: A
Unique Union Territory.- 22. Framing State Level Politics: Punjab After
Partition.- 23. Making of Regions within an Indian State: Politics, Economic
Change and Electoral Competition in Rajasthan.- 24. Dynastic Theocracy to
Ethnic Politics in Sikkim.- 25. Tamil Nadu: Interface of Centre and
State.- 26. Region, Movement and State Formation in Telangana.-
27. Matrix
of Tripura Politics: Communism, Hindu Nationalism, and
Ethno-regionalism.- 28. Caste, Community and Polarization:Dynamics of
Political Power in Uttar Pradesh.-
29. State Politics in West Bengal:
Contemporary Scenario.- 30. Conclusion.
Himanshu Roy is a Professor of Political Science at the Centre for Political Studies (CPS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. He was a Atal Fellow (2019-2021) at Prime Ministers Museum and Library ( PMML), Teen Murti House, New Delhi. He was also a Fellow (2013-2014) at PMML. He has taught for 37 years. His works on Political Theory, Indian Political Thought and Indian Politics have been published in books, Chapters and Journals.
