Coalition politics refers to a situation where multiple political parties come together to form a government, especially when no single party is able to secure an absolute majority in a legislative body. This has become the norm in India, particularly at the national level, and the rise of coalition politics can be attributed to several factors.
1. Electoral System and the Multiparty System: India follows a first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system, which often results in the fragmentation of votes, especially in a diverse country with multiple regional and national parties. In such a system, a party may not secure an outright majority in a general election, necessitating the formation of coalitions to achieve the required majority. The presence of numerous regional and smaller parties, each with its own support base, further complicates the situation, leading to the need for alliances.
2. Rise of Regional Parties: Since the 1980s, India has witnessed the rise of strong regional parties, which have significant influence in specific states. These parties have become key players in national elections, making it difficult for national parties like the Congress or BJP to form a majority on their own. As a result, these regional parties often enter into alliances with national parties to form coalitions, thus shaping the political landscape.
3. Decline of One-party Dominance: The Congress party, which dominated Indian politics in the initial decades after independence, saw a decline in its influence, particularly after the 1970s. This decline, coupled with the rise of opposition parties, led to a more fragmented political scenario. The emergence of new political forces and the weakening of a single dominant party made coalition politics a more viable option.
4. Ideological Shifts and Policy Differences: The ideological differences between various political parties have become more pronounced, making it difficult for one party to dominate the political scene. Coalition governments allow parties with diverse ideologies to come together and compromise on policy issues, making it necessary for parties to form alliances, especially on a national level.
5. Increased Voter Fragmentation: As the electorate has become more diverse in terms of caste, religion, and regional identity, no single party has been able to attract a broad enough base to secure a majority on its own. Voters now often align themselves with parties that reflect their specific interests, and this fragmentation has made coalitions essential for governance.
6. Need for Consensus Politics: Coalition politics encourages a culture of consensus-building, where multiple parties must negotiate and agree on key issues. While this can sometimes lead to instability or inefficiency, it also ensures that a wide range of voices is represented in the government. In a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country like India, consensus politics is seen as a way to ensure that no community or group feels marginalized.
7. Role of National Parties: National parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, when they fail to secure a majority, rely on smaller parties to form a government. This is particularly evident in the case of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), where large parties often enter into strategic alliances with regional players.
Conclusion: The rise of coalition politics in India is a product of the country's diverse electorate, the fragmentation of political parties, and the need for consensus-based governance. While coalition governments can sometimes be unstable, they have also allowed for broader representation and have become an integral part of India's democratic fabric.
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