Glossary of Indian Politics

Karsevak Literal: Volunteer for manual labour. Hindu fundamentalist forces of the Sangh Parivar, large groups of Karsevaks were mobilised to demolish Babri Mosque and construct Ram Temple.

Kharif The autumn crop.

Kshatriya The warrior class, second in the Indian caste hierarchy.

LAC Line of Actual Control, the present border between India and China.

Lac/Lakh Hundred thousand

Laloo See Yadav, Laloo Prasad.

Legislative Assembly The lower house of the legislature of Indian states, parallel to the LS. Composed of 32-426 members, chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies based on population for a term of five years. The Chief Minister of the state is leader of the LA. Most States have a unicameral legislature with only an assembly.

Legislative Council Upper house of the legislature of Indian states, parallel to the RS. Members elected indirectly by the Assembly or appointed by the Governor to fixed terms with one- third retiring every second year. Only seven States have bicameral legislatures with a smaller Legislative Council functioning alongside the Legislative Assembly.

LoC Line of Control, the present ‘working’ border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

Lohia, Ram Manohar (1910-67), socialist leader of a fearless and dynamic personality, a man of independent thought. Toiled to create a society which would ensure justice to the poor, the backward and women. In his life span of 57 years Ram Manohar Lohia suffered imprisonment twenty times. The government of free India imprisoned him as many as twelve times.

Lok People or people’s, also used in the ‘folk’ sense, for example, Lok Geet- Folk Song.

Lok Sabha The lower house of the Indian parliament, consisting of 545 members, elected every five years, although it may be dissolved earlier by the President on the recommendation of the PM .

LS See Lok Sabha.

Mandal Commission Second Backward Classes Commission, appointed under Article 340 of the Indian Constitution, commonly called Mandal Commission after its chairman B.P. Mandal. Submitted its report in 1980, which included recommendations like a certain reservation of seats to be provided for socially, economically and educationally weak sections of the society in the services of the Union and their Public Undertakings. Implementation announced by the V.P. Singh govt. in 1990, which led to street protests by upper caste youth and women.

Mandal See Mandal Commission.

Mandir A Hindu temple.

Mantra Sacred formula, incantation or spell.

Masjid Mosque

Mayawati A political leader of BSP. The chief minister of UP thrice, MP (RS) (1994-96). An active social worker for the downtrodden, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Has been member of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Mela Fair, fete

MLA Member of the Legislative Assembly

MP Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India.

MP Member of the Parliament

Murti A statue of God.

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