Emerging Political Leadership Of Backward Classes In Karnataka

A democracy does not automatically become a democratic state because merely the constitution declares so. Rather, the real nature of a polity is known by the distribution of power and authority and the socio-political institutions it has. After independence large scale efforts were initiated to induct the weaker and the deprived sections of the society in the wider political culture of the country. Constitutional safeguards, reservations and other facilities for the scheduled castes were some of the important steps in this direction. It was realized that a share of these sections in power and authority structure of society would not only help in the healthy growth of Indian democracy but also contribute to their own socio-economic mobility. Their participation in politics and leadership was considered all the more significant for rural socio-economic development.