Populists, Elites, and Anticlass Discourses

Populism is frequently associated with the broader population or a political faction that adopts a challenging or rebellious stance against the established system. The intricate dynamics between populists, elites, and the governing class have been largely overlooked by scholars, with only a handful of academic studies delving into this intricate relationship. Populism theory often overlooks the crucial role and significance of elites in relation to the populists. This chapter delves into the intricate dynamics between populists and elites while they hold positions of authority, with a particular emphasis on a non-European setting, specifically India, where a right-wing populist regime has taken root.