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Synopsis This volume is the sixth in the series of essential readings in Indian government and politics focusing on political parties in India. It introduces the reader to the extensive and varied landscape of parties by bringing together seminal articles, new studies on national and regional parties and specific commentaries on important aspects of parties and the party system in India. The book covers an exceptionally wide terrain ranging from a discussion of individual parties, to their location in the context of nationalism and communalism, to more topical issues such as state funding of elections, party nominations, women's representation and defections. The many contributions in the volume: Introduce the reader to the idea of a 'party-less' democracy, which was a serious consideration in the early days of the Republic. Discuss the evolution of the party system in India at both the national and regional levels. Explore the character of parties in terms of their ideology, social base and organizational form. Assess the issue of parties and political representation especially in the case of women. Examine the policy options available for election finance reform, and Evaluate the significance of defections for a representative democracy. The volume is essential reading for students of political science (particularly those interested in Indian politics), sociology, comparative politics, management studies and democracy. It will also be of considerable interest to politicians, media persons, diplomats, bureaucrats and policy makers.