Abstract :
This paper describes a range of possible factors that limit the effectiveness of elections in India as
a mechanism to elect the candidates who are politically honest and competent. In this regard,
caste affiliations of the candidates and ineffective role played by political parties, public offices
and different electoral bodies are some of the major factors that limit the effectiveness of
electoral process. Social ties and networking between the candidates and the voters based on
common caste is the strongest factor that gives birth to undesirable outcomes for a democratic
system. Provision of patronage to the general public by the candidates is the other major factor to
win political clientage during election process. This article helps to understand the significant
role of political patronage provided by the candidates in determining the voting behavior of
masses during electoral process in India
Keyword :
Caste, Political Patronage, Voting Behavior, Elections, India