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The Historical Legacy of Party System Stability in Kerala

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  • Balu Sunilraj
  • Oliver Heath

Abstract

Kerala has one of the most stable party systems in India, and represents a clear exception to the Indian norm of volatility, instability and electoral change. In this article, we explore the geographical structure of this stability, and examine the extent to which current political divisions are a reflection of the divisions that existed at the inception of mass democracy in Kerala more than 50 years ago. First, we examine the extent to which historical legacies of party formation shape contemporary patterns of voting behaviour. Second, we examine the extent to which these historical legacies were established along social lines to do with caste, religion and class. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results.

Suggested Citation

  • Balu Sunilraj & Oliver Heath, 2017. "The Historical Legacy of Party System Stability in Kerala," Studies in Indian Politics, , vol. 5(2), pages 193-204, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indpol:v:5:y:2017:i:2:p:193-204
    DOI: 10.1177/2321023017727959
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heath, Oliver, 2015. "Policy Representation, Social Representation and Class Voting in Britain," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 45(1), pages 173-193, January.
    2. Zagoria, Donald S., 1971. "The Ecology of Peasant Communism in India," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(1), pages 144-160, March.
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