Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
W.H. Morris-Jones, in his seminal work “The Government and Politics of India” (1959), proposed the concept of ‘one-party dominance’ to describe the Indian political system between 1947 and 1967. This wasn’t a one-party *system* – other parties existed and participated in elections – but rather a situation where the Indian National Congress (INC) enjoyed a pre-eminent position, consistently winning elections and shaping policy. Today, over seven decades later, with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a fragmented multi-party system, the question arises: to what extent does Morris-Jones’s model remain relevant in understanding Indian politics? This answer will analyze the continuities and discontinuities, assessing whether the concept can be adapted to the current political reality.
The Original Morris-Jones Model
Morris-Jones argued that the INC’s dominance stemmed from several factors:
- Historical Legacy: The INC’s role in the freedom struggle provided it with immense legitimacy and a pan-Indian appeal.
- Organizational Strength: The INC possessed a well-established organizational structure reaching across the country.
- Ideological Hegemony: The INC successfully positioned itself as the champion of secularism, socialism, and national unity, attracting diverse social groups.
- Charismatic Leadership: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru commanded widespread respect and trust.
- Electoral System: The first-past-the-post system, combined with the INC’s organizational strength, facilitated its electoral victories.
The Decline of Congress Dominance (1967-1989)
The period after 1967 witnessed a gradual erosion of Congress dominance. Factors contributing to this included:
- Internal Factions: Splits within the INC, notably in 1969, weakened the party.
- Rise of Regional Parties: Parties like the DMK in Tamil Nadu, the Akali Dal in Punjab, and the Jana Sangh in North India gained ground by appealing to regional identities and grievances.
- Socio-Economic Discontent: Issues like poverty, unemployment, and corruption fueled opposition movements.
This era was characterized by ‘coalition politics’ and a period of political instability.
The BJP’s Ascendancy and a New Form of Dominance?
Since the 1990s, the BJP has emerged as a major national force, and since 2014, it has enjoyed a period of electoral success comparable to the INC’s earlier dominance. However, the nature of this dominance differs significantly.
- Electoral Performance: The BJP secured a clear majority in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, winning 303 and 301 seats respectively. This is comparable to the INC’s peak performance in the 1980s.
- Ideological Shift: The BJP’s ideology of Hindutva has become increasingly influential, attracting a significant segment of the electorate.
- Organizational Capacity: The BJP has built a robust organizational structure, particularly at the grassroots level, aided by a dedicated cadre base (RSS).
- Charismatic Leadership: Narendra Modi’s leadership has been a key factor in the BJP’s success.
- Media Management & IT Cell: The BJP has effectively utilized media and social media to shape public opinion.
Is it ‘One-Party Dominance’ Revisited?
While the BJP’s current position resembles the INC’s earlier dominance in terms of electoral success, several crucial differences exist:
| Feature | INC Dominance (1947-1967) | BJP Dominance (2014-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideology | Secularism, Socialism, National Unity | Hindutva, Nationalism, Economic Liberalization |
| Social Base | Broad-based, encompassing diverse social groups | Strong support among upper castes and OBCs, expanding reach |
| Regional Presence | Pan-Indian, with strongholds in most states | Strong in North and West India, expanding in East and South |
| Opposition Strength | Weak and fragmented | More robust regional parties, though lacking national coordination |
Furthermore, the rise of strong regional parties, like the TMC in West Bengal, the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the AAP in Delhi, prevents the BJP from achieving the same level of comprehensive dominance enjoyed by the INC in its heyday. The BJP’s dominance is more accurately described as ‘hegemonic’ – it sets the political agenda and frames the discourse – rather than absolute.
Challenges to BJP’s Dominance
Several factors could challenge the BJP’s dominance in the future:
- Economic Performance: Sustained economic slowdown or rising unemployment could erode public support.
- Social Polarization: Continued emphasis on divisive issues could alienate certain sections of the population.
- Opposition Unity: A united opposition front could pose a credible challenge in future elections.
- Institutional Independence: Concerns regarding the independence of institutions could undermine public trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the BJP’s current electoral performance and ideological influence bear some resemblance to the INC’s ‘one-party dominance’ of the past, the context is significantly different. The rise of strong regional parties, a more assertive electorate, and a more fragmented media landscape prevent the BJP from achieving the same level of comprehensive control. The current situation is better characterized as a period of ‘hegemonic’ dominance, where the BJP sets the political agenda but faces significant challenges from regional forces and potential socio-economic headwinds. The future of Indian politics will likely be shaped by the interplay between national and regional forces, and the ability of the opposition to forge a united front.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.