Explore the complex realities of Indian democracy with “Elusive Democracy: Dalit Politics, Elections and the Contradictions of Representation.” This insightful book, drawing from extensive interviews and archival research, delves into the transformation of a prominent Dalit-led political party, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Discover how the VCK navigated the transition from protest to participation in elections, offering a unique perspective on the opportunities and constraints faced by marginalized groups within India’s vast democratic system. Uncover the paradoxes of representation, where democratic institutions foster advancement while simultaneously imposing new forms of control. This vital read from “The Bookish Owl” illuminates the evolving nature of Dalit politics and the true meaning of democracy in contemporary India.