CHARTING: For First Time, OBC Representation in Lok Sabha Matches Upper Castes' at 26%

While both NDA and INDIA contribute to OBC representation, the NDA retains a bias towards upper-caste representation which INDIA – and the Congress in particular – have shed in this election.

Gilles Verniers

While both NDA and INDIA contribute to OBC representation, the NDA retains a bias towards upper-caste representation which INDIA – and the Congress in particular – have shed in this election.

charting for first time obc representation in lok sabha matches upper castes at 26

India’s new parliament building. Photo: PIB

At 26%, 'upper' caste representation in the Lok Sabha in 2024 is the lowest it has ever been since independence. This is also the first time that OBC representation matches upper caste representation.

While both NDA and INDIA contribute to OBC representation, the NDA retains a bias towards upper-caste representation which INDIA – and the Congress in particular – have shed in this election.

Gilles Verniers is a Karl Loewenstein Fellow at Amherst College.

This article went live on June twenty-third, two thousand twenty four, at thirty minutes past one in the afternoon.

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