Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{179051,
        author = {Aadya Kukreti},
        title = {Caste Politics And Electoral Outcomes In Contemporary India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {7282-7289},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=179051},
        abstract = {This paper explores the enduring role of caste in shaping electoral outcomes in India, a democracy characterized by deep social diversity and political complexity. While the Indian Constitution envisioned a casteless society through affirmative action and social reform, caste continues to influence political mobilization, party strategies, and voter behavior. By combining historical analysis with recent empirical data, including insights from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this study examines how caste-based identities continue to impact electoral patterns at both national and regional levels. Through case studies of states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu, the paper investigates the functioning of caste-based parties, the shifting preferences of voters, and the influence of social media in modernizing political outreach. The findings reveal that while caste remains a dominant factor, a gradual shift toward issue-based politics is emerging, particularly among urban and young voters. The paper concludes by recommending policy and electoral reforms aimed at promoting inclusive, development-driven politics while ensuring fair representation for historically marginalized groups.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {May},
        }