Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s political landscape has undergone a significant transformation since independence in 1947. Initially characterized by a ‘one-party dominant system’ where the Indian National Congress (INC) enjoyed unparalleled political hegemony, the nation has gradually transitioned to a ‘one-party led coalition’ arrangement. This shift, particularly pronounced since the late 1980s, reflects the rise of regional forces, increasing electoral competition, and a more fragmented political spectrum. The decline of the INC’s absolute majority and the subsequent necessity of forming alliances to secure power mark a crucial turning point in Indian political history, impacting governance, policy-making, and the overall stability of the political system.
The Era of One-Party Dominance (1947-1989)
Following independence, the Indian National Congress established a dominant position in Indian politics. Several factors contributed to this:
- Historical Legacy: The INC was at the forefront of the independence movement, enjoying widespread national recognition and trust.
- Charismatic Leadership: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi commanded immense popular support.
- Organizational Strength: The INC possessed a well-established organizational structure across the country.
- Ideological Flexibility: The INC adopted a broad-based ideology encompassing socialist, secular, and democratic principles, appealing to diverse sections of society.
- Electoral System: The ‘first-past-the-post’ electoral system favored larger parties with wider geographical reach.
Despite the presence of other political parties, the INC consistently secured a majority in the Lok Sabha, forming governments at the Centre for most of the period between 1947 and 1989. However, this dominance wasn’t absolute. Instances of non-Congress governments, like those led by Morarji Desai (1977-79) and Charan Singh (1979-80), briefly interrupted the INC’s reign.
The Decline of Congress Dominance and the Rise of Coalition Politics
The late 1980s witnessed a gradual erosion of the INC’s dominance, triggered by several factors:
- Rise of Regional Parties: Parties like the DMK, AIADMK, TDP, and National Front gained prominence, challenging the INC’s authority in their respective states.
- Social and Caste Mobilization: The Mandal Commission report (1980) and the subsequent implementation of reservations led to increased political awareness and mobilization among backward classes, benefiting regional parties.
- Economic Discontent: Economic liberalization in the 1990s created new inequalities and anxieties, leading to a decline in the INC’s traditional support base.
- Scandals and Corruption: Allegations of corruption against INC leaders eroded public trust.
- The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: The rise of Hindutva politics and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement fragmented the electorate and weakened the INC’s secular appeal.
The 1989 general elections resulted in a hung parliament, marking the end of the INC’s era of dominance. The National Front, a coalition of regional parties led by V.P. Singh, formed the government with outside support from the BJP and Left parties.
The One-Party Led Coalition System (1996-Present)
Since 1996, India has been largely governed by ‘one-party led coalitions’. This system is characterized by:
- Dominant Party: A national party (typically the BJP or INC) emerges as the largest party in the Lok Sabha, but lacks a clear majority.
- Coalition Formation: The dominant party forms alliances with regional parties to secure a majority and form the government.
- Power Sharing: Cabinet portfolios are often distributed among coalition partners based on their strength in parliament.
- Policy Compromises: Policy-making requires negotiation and compromise among coalition partners, often leading to diluted or delayed implementation.
- Political Instability: Coalition governments are often prone to instability due to conflicting interests and the threat of withdrawal of support by coalition partners.
Examples of such coalitions include the United Front (1996-98), the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP (1998-2004, 2014-present), and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by the INC (2004-2014). The current NDA government, led by the BJP, demonstrates the continued relevance of this system, albeit with a stronger mandate than previous coalitions.
Comparing the Two Systems
| Feature | One-Party Dominant System (1947-1989) | One-Party Led Coalition (1996-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Political Landscape | Dominated by a single party (INC) | Fragmented with multiple national and regional parties |
| Government Formation | INC typically formed governments on its own | Governments formed through alliances with regional parties |
| Policy-Making | Relatively easier, with less need for compromise | Complex, requiring negotiation and compromise |
| Political Stability | Generally more stable | Potentially less stable, prone to coalition crises |
| Representation | Limited representation of regional interests | Greater representation of regional interests |
Conclusion
The transition from a ‘one-party dominant system’ to a ‘one-party led coalition’ reflects the maturing of Indian democracy and the increasing assertion of regional identities. While coalition governments can be less stable and require greater political maneuvering, they also offer broader representation and accommodate diverse interests. The current political landscape, characterized by the dominance of the BJP within a coalition framework, suggests that this system is likely to persist in the foreseeable future, demanding skillful coalition management and a commitment to inclusive governance.
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.