what is the current state of Dalit representation in Indian politics?

 The current state of Dalit representation in Indian politics is a mixed picture. Here are some key points from the search results:

• Dalit-led political parties include the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Azad Samaj Party
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• In India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, Dalits have had a major political impact. The Dalit-led BSP had previously run the government and that party's leader, Mayawati, served several times as chief minister
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• The rise of Dalit studies as a discipline has led to greater visibility and recognition of Dalit issues, including political representation
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• Despite affirmative action policies, such as reserving a portion of all elected positions for Dalits and only allowing Dalits to vote for these positions, discrimination and mistreatment of individuals of lower castes still occur
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• A survey of Dalits across South Asia found that many Dalits feel excluded from the political process and face barriers to political participation
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Overall, while there have been some gains in Dalit representation in Indian politics, discrimination and mistreatment of individuals of lower castes still occur, and many Dalits feel excluded from the political process. The rise of Dalit studies as a discipline has led to greater visibility and recognition of Dalit issues, but there is still work to be done to achieve social equality.