Description

The MLA enjoys more power and privileges than any other elected representative. As head of various development bodies in his constituency with a substantial development fund made available to him by the government, he is a major agent of change. In contrast the MP?????s status has diminished even as has his role. He is no longer in a position to influence policy his perorations in Parliament remain ignored and his advice unheeded, unless of course he makes it as a minister. But how many do. Thus the new political elite, it is argued by the author, are the state legislators whose functions can enable them to transform their constituencies. Those in the rural areas, with the aid of co-operatives, in particular sugar co-operatives, have done precisely that, making their region unrecognisable from a decade or two ago. The nature of the MLAs has altered even as the society in which they operate. As the latter grows more complex, the role of the Vidhan Sabha representative has become that much more diverse and it is the ability of the MLA to recognise this as an opportunity that enables him to increase his impact even as it enhances his personal status and influence. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Traditional Functions Chapter 3: Development Functions (Rural MLAs) Chapter 4: Development Functions (Urban MLAs) Chapter 5: Co-operatives as a Means to Power Chapter 6: Impact on Policy Chapter 7: Why Not an MP Be Chapter 8: Change in Ideology Chapter 9: Socio-economic Background Chapter 10: Change in Maratha Elite Chapter 11: Change in Values Chapter 12: No Change Chapter 13: Conclusion.

The MLA enjoys more power and privileges than any other elected representative. As head of various development bodies in his constituency with a substantial development fund made available to him by the government, he is a major agent of change. In contrast the MP?????s status has diminished even as has his role. He is no longer in a position to influence policy his perorations in Parliament remain ignored and his advice unheeded, unless of course he makes it as a minister. But how many do. Thus the new political elite, it is argued by the author, are the state legislators...  Read More