Caste still defines social and political identity and oppressed groups are represented by tiny sections from each group that are more or less integrated into the existing political system. The panchayat system serves as one of the instruments of this integration by opening the doors of opportunity for that tiny elite. They, in turn, mobilise votes for the major political parties. Whether the Congress wins the coming assembly elections or not, the utility of political decentralisation for the ruling class has been well and truly proved.
