Marginal players in marginal assemblies : the Indian MLA

In a penetrating and topical work that spans five Indian states - Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal Vir Chopra conducts and documents the first serious comparative study of state level legislators or MLAs. The states selected represent a significant cross-section of the Indian population (42.4%) and display all the major subcultures and ideologies.

The author believes that MLAs by virtue of their strategic position between the apex and base of Indian society are a vital link in the process of the political integration of the country. They also form an influential mediating linkage and effective communication channel between the two levels. The author argues that apart from the MPs, MLAs are an important component of India's intermediate elite and are crucial to the stability of India. The meticulous research, based primarily on interviews, effectively combines empirical statement with theoretical reflection and analysis.