Across India, radical Dalit movements have dipped their toes into electoral politics as they have tried to represent their communities in institutions of governance. What challenges do they face? Why has the BSP been more successful at electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh and not say, the VCK in Tamil Nadu? How does the current system of reserved seats affect the electoral prospects of Dalit parties across India? Would the scenario have been different if the Poona Pact was never entered into?

We are joined by Hugo Gorringe, author of "Panthers in Parliament", as we try to answer these questions and understand how India's Westminster style of Parliamentary democracy affects the electoral aspirations of Dalit parties.