Determinants of Redistributive Politics: An Empirical Analysis of Land Reforms in West Bengal, India

摘要: We investigate political determinants of land reform implementation in the Indian state West Bengal. Using a village panel spanning 1974-1998, we do not find evidence supporting hypothesis that reforms were positively and monotonically related to control local governments by Left Front coalition vis-?-vis right-centrist Congress party, combined with lack commitment policy platforms. Instead, is consistent quasi-Downsian theory stressing role opportunism (reelection concerns) electoral competition.(JEL D72, 013, 017, Q15)