Political Participation and Democratic Representation in India: Changing Patterns and Institutional Implications

Abstract

Political participation forms the foundation of democratic legitimacy by linking citizens to representative institutions. In India, patterns of political participation have evolved significantly over time, reflecting social change, institutional reform, and expanding democratic awareness. This paper examines changing forms of political participation in India up to 2014, focusing on voter engagement, associational activity, and institutional responsiveness. Using an original Participation–Representation Linkage Model (PRLM), the study analyses how participatory practices influence democratic representation beyond electoral outcomes. The paper argues that increased political participation has contributed to democratic deepening by strengthening representative linkages and institutional accountability, even as disparities in participation persist across social groups.