THE PERSISTING EFFECT OF CASTE ON LEGISLATIVE POLITICS IN KARNATAKA: A LEGAL AND SOCIO-POLITICAL ACCOUNT
AUTHOR – DAIVIK PRAJWAL G, STUDENT AT CHRIST DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY, BANGALORE
BEST CITATION – DAIVIK PRAJWAL G, THE PERSISTING EFFECT OF CASTE ON LEGISLATIVE POLITICS IN KARNATAKA: A LEGAL AND SOCIO-POLITICAL ACCOUNT, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (2) OF 2026, PG. 27-37, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
This paper takes a close look at the deep and persistent effect of caste on legislative politics in the state of Karnataka. It moves away from the simplistic idea of “vote-bank” and discusses how caste has been a primary form of political mobilization and candidate selection and also a basis for framing policies. The paper presents the historical hegemony of, and changing loyalties between, major caste factions, notably: Lingayats and Vokkaligas, the strategic alliance of groups such as the AHINDA and the controversial involvement of religious institution (mathas) in elections. The electoral data of the significant constituencies of Shiggaon and Hassan is utilized, which ensures evidence that shows that national parties employ pragmatic measures, circumventing the formal legal boundaries of a secular democracy for social engineering. Finally, the paper analyzes the legal and constitutive principles for electoral governance, with a particular focus on the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and pivotal judicial decisions, concluding with a summary of findings and recommendations to promote democratic and equitable representation in the state.
Keywords
Caste, Karnataka, Legislative Politics, Lingayats, Vokkaligas, AHINDA, Social Engineering, Political Mobilization, Representation of the People Act, Electoral Law, Mathas.