Abstract

In India the centralization of powers by the national government and its overreach is gradually on the increase, accentuated with political rhetoric of security and nationalism. Taking the case of local governments where a constitutional mandate has been provided for women’s political leadership and participation in the local governance sphere, the article argues that the steady inroads made by the national government into these local democratic spaces, constricts the autonomy of local governments to function as the de facto third tier of government. This imperils the gender inclusive and equity concerns sought to be addressed through the decentralization process. It further argues that the insecurities of women and those left behind are being neglected in the security and nationalist discourses that are overwhelmingly being advanced by the national government.