Contemporary Indian Politics

This timely volume by a keen observer of the Indian political scene seeks to analyse and probe the diverse aspects and problems of contemporary Indian politics. in their proper historical setting. It discusses the Constitution-making process and Jawaharlal Nehru's role in it. It evaluates the amendments to the Constitution up to date and puts in focus the decay of the political institutions and the welfare state created by the Founding Fathers.

The book surveys Centre State relations and critically examines arguments advanced in favour of systemic change. It highlights the abdication by State Legislatures. This volume also discusses the anti-defection measure which has put autocratic power in the hands of the party bosses. It reviews the failings of the Supreme Court and their baneful effect. on public life. It deals extensively with the controversial question of a common civic code from both the Hindu and Muslim angles with a fervent appeal for realism in tackling the delicate problem of reform.

The author assesses the authoritarian trends and highlights the danger it poses for the survival of democracy. The precipitous decline of moral values is traced to Jawaharlal Nehru's failure to enforce strict standards. Nehru put the Congress Party and his personal friends above the claims of public morality. The book discusses the electoral strengths and weaknesses of non-Congress parties and investigates the problem of electoral reform and makes concrete suggestions. The book also examines in depth the most explosive situation in Northwest and Northeast India. The problem of Jammu and Kashmir, with special reference to the demand for repeal of Article 370, the alienation in Punjab and the linguistic and ethnic conflict in Assam are analysedi in a comprehensive manner.

This book is indispensable for understanding contemporary India.