Caste Influence and Political Development: Public Perception of Lingayat Leadership in North Karnataka
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Abstract
Caste is still a big part of politics and democracy in India, especially in regional politics. The Lingayat community has historically impacted electoral results in North Karnataka and has held a significant role in the regional political framework. This paper assesses public perception regarding Lingayat political leadership and its correlation with political development in specific districts of North Karnataka. The research utilizes primary data gathered from 120 respondents via a structured questionnaire and adheres to a descriptive empirical research design. Respondents from various social and demographic backgrounds were chosen using a purposive sampling method. We used percentage analysis, mean score analysis, and the Chi-square test to look at how caste affects political development indicators like representation, stability, and governance. The findings reveal that while a significant proportion of respondents associate Lingayat leadership with political stability and regional development, concerns regarding caste dominance and inclusive representation remain visible. The paper concludes that caste continues to influence political development in North Karnataka and highlights the need for balanced and inclusive democratic governance.
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