C.P. Bhambri

C.P Bhambri was an Indian political scientist. He was the former dean of the School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Life Chandra Prakash Bhambhri was born in Multan on 28 March 1933. He served as Chairperson of CPS for three terms and was also Dean of School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University from 1984 to 1986. Before being a faculty of JNU, he taught at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, Moradabad Degree College and Meerut College. In the late 1960s and 1970s, when studies on Indian politics were dominated by reflections on the "dominance of one party" and the "Congress system", Bhambri made his signature in Indian academia by undertaking class analysis. He did not follow the behavioural approach or the structural-functional approach to explain power politics and political persuasion in Indian politics. This new perspective enabled the observers of Indian politics to look beyond personality clashes and understand the subsequent split within the Congress party as well as coalitions that emerged on the scene. He however opposed caste based and community reservation theories, which according to him legitimized status quoist politics and impeded the move towards a progressive classless or casteless society. Bambri believed that "Political Science meant to unmask people in power."

Journal articles Role of Paramilitary Forces in Centre-State Relations. Economic and Political Weekly. Vol. 13, Issue No. 17, 29 Apr, 1978. Revolutionary Armed Struggle in India. Economic and Political Weekly. Vol. 50, Issue No. 7, 14 Feb, 2015. United Front of the Oppressed. Economic and Political Weekly. Vol. 48, Issue No. 32, 10 Aug, 2013.

Other writings Super-Patriot Games. Outlook. 19 July 1999 The Dalit question as answer to Hindutva. The Tribune. 31 January 2016 Parivar's wish: Education for Hinduisation. The Tribune. 11 March 2016.