Are Panchayat Elections in Maharashtra a Festival of Democracy or a Maratha Festival?
Studies of how rural democracy works in âprogressiveâ Maharashtra suggest the very high turnout for gram panchayat elections masks continuing inequality and incivility.
Supporters welcome winning candidates during counting day of the gram panchayat elections in Thane district, January 18, 2021. Photo: PTI
Politics19/Jan/2021
If regular elections and active voter participation in panchayat elections are understood as key for the success of democracy, then Maharashtra, like most of India, does indeed have a vibrant democracy. But does this democracy reduce inequality between sexes and castes? Do the marginal groups have an assertive voice? Does this democracy promote associational feeling across social groups?