Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Westminster system, originating in the United Kingdom, is a parliamentary system of government characterized by a sovereign parliament, responsible government, constitutional monarchy, and rule of law. Adopted by India at independence in 1947, it was believed to be a suitable framework for a nascent democracy. However, the assumption of a seamless transfer of a British institutional model to a vastly different socio-political landscape has been increasingly questioned. India’s political culture, deeply rooted in historical, social, and economic realities, presents unique challenges to the effective functioning of the Westminster model, leading to deviations and adaptations. This necessitates a critical analysis of the inherent tensions between the two.
Core Principles of the Westminster Model
The Westminster model rests on several key pillars:
- Parliamentary Sovereignty: Parliament is the supreme law-making body.
- Responsible Government: The executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is accountable to the legislature and must maintain its confidence.
- Rule of Law: Equality before the law and an independent judiciary.
- Party Discipline: Strong party structures and adherence to the party line.
- Neutral Civil Service: A politically impartial bureaucracy.
India’s Political Culture: A Complex Tapestry
India’s political culture is significantly different from that of the UK, shaped by:
- Caste System: Caste continues to influence voting behavior and political representation, often overriding party lines.
- Religious Diversity: Religious identities play a significant role in political mobilization and can lead to communal polarization.
- Regionalism: Strong regional identities and demands for autonomy often challenge national unity and central authority.
- Patronage Politics: A culture of patronage and clientelism, where political favors are exchanged for support.
- Weak Party System: Historically, Indian political parties have been characterized by weak ideological foundations and a tendency towards personality cults.
Conflicts Between the Westminster Model and Indian Political Culture
The inherent tensions between the two are evident in several areas:
- Coalition Politics & Instability: The Westminster model assumes a clear majority government. India’s multi-party system frequently results in coalition governments, leading to political instability and policy paralysis. The 1996-1998 period saw several short-lived governments.
- Party Defections & Horse-Trading: Weak party discipline and the lure of power have led to frequent party defections and ‘horse-trading’ of legislators, undermining the principle of responsible government. The Anti-Defection Law (1985) was enacted to address this, but its effectiveness is debated.
- Criminalization of Politics: The presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds in politics compromises the rule of law and erodes public trust. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 23% of elected MPs had criminal cases pending against them.
- Bureaucratic Inertia & Corruption: A politicized bureaucracy and widespread corruption hinder effective governance and undermine the principle of a neutral civil service.
- Caste & Communal Politics: The emphasis on identity politics often overshadows issues of governance and development, leading to divisive policies and social unrest.
Adaptations and Modifications
India has adapted the Westminster model to suit its unique circumstances:
- Parliamentary System with a Presidential Tilt: The office of the Prime Minister has become increasingly powerful, exhibiting characteristics of a presidential system.
- Judicial Activism: The judiciary has played an active role in safeguarding fundamental rights and holding the executive accountable, filling gaps in governance.
- Rise of Regional Parties: Regional parties have become significant players in national politics, influencing coalition formation and policy-making.
- Decentralization through Panchayati Raj Institutions: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) promoted decentralization and empowered local self-governments.
Despite these adaptations, the fundamental challenges posed by India’s political culture to the Westminster model remain. The model’s emphasis on rational debate and consensus-building often clashes with the realities of identity-based politics and patronage networks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while India adopted the Westminster model as a foundational framework, its inherent principles have faced significant challenges from the country’s complex political culture. The model has been adapted and modified over time, but tensions remain, particularly concerning party discipline, criminalization of politics, and the influence of identity-based factors. A continued focus on strengthening institutions, promoting good governance, and fostering a more inclusive political culture is crucial for realizing the full potential of India’s democratic experiment. The future likely holds a hybrid system, blending Westminster principles with uniquely Indian adaptations.
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.