POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL SELF-GOVERNANCE AND POLICY-MAKING PROCESSES IN WEST BENGAL: EMERGING TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Source abstract

Political participation and local self-governance are central to the functioning of democracy, particularly in a socially and politically dynamic state like West Bengal. Changes in patterns of participation at the local level influence not only democratic engagement but also the processes through which policies are formulated and implemented. This paper examines the evolving relationship between political participation, local democratic governance, and policy-making processes in West Bengal, with a focus on emerging trends and associated challenges. The primary objective of the study is to understand how variations in political participation over time shape local democratic practices and influence policy-making processes. It also aims to examine how trends in electoral participation and engagement within local institutions reflect broader social challenges. The study draws upon observable trends in political participation at the local level, using indicators such as voter turnout and patterns of engagement with democratic institutions. These trends are discussed within the broader socio-political context of West Bengal to understand how political participations respond to changing social conditions. Examining political participation through emerging trends provides valuable insights into the functioning of local governance and policy-making. While numerical indicators alone cannot fully reveal citizens’ political motivations and experiences, they play a crucial role in identifying broader patterns of participation and democratic engagement.