Emerging Pattern of Political Leadership

There has been an enormous growth in the studies on political elites in recent years. It becomes even more important in a country like India, where a large number of people are still ignorant, tradition-bound and not actively involved in political participation. In such a situation, leaders become more important than the masses and the entire political process is influenced by their attitudes, beliefs and actions. India is gradually changing from a traditional to a modern society. At the same time significant changes are also taking place in its power structure. Old leadership is being replaced by new sections of the social strata. The growth of regional political parties has further changed the patterns of political leadership in India. In order to comprehend these changes, it is imperative to study the composition of legislative elites both at the central and the state levels. The present case study on the emerging pattern of political leadership in Punjab with special reference to 1985 Vidhan Sabha aims at analysing the socio-economic origins of political leaders in the State. The 1985 Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections were held under disruptive circumstances of complete communal polarisation. In this context the study of political leadership in the state is of great significance. The book is likely to prove valuable for political scientists poetical sociologists and research scholars engaged in the study of leadership and state politics. The policy makers and readers interested in understanding the role of socio-economic environment on the political leadership will also find it useful.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta (b. 1962) after obtaining M.A. (Political Science and Public Administration) and M.Phill (Political Science) degrees. Started his academic career as lecturer in the P.G. Dept of Political Science, Rajasthan Government College Bhatinda (Punjab). Currently he is heading the Department of Political Science, M.L.S.M. College, Sunder Nagar, Distt. Mandi (H.P.).