Challenges to the Functioning of Parliamentary Democracy in India
India's parliamentary democracy, enshrined in its Constitution, is based on a system of representative governance where elected representatives form the government and legislature. However, despite being the world's largest democracy, India faces several challenges in the effective functioning of its parliamentary system. These challenges hinder the smooth functioning of democracy and the delivery of governance. Below are five key challenges:
1. Defections and Instability in Coalition Governments
India’s political landscape is often characterized by coalition governments, particularly at the state level but also at the national level, as seen after the 1980s. While coalition governments represent a broader spectrum of political ideologies, they also face instability due to defections, where legislators switch parties for personal or political gain. This practice, known as "horse-trading," undermines the democratic process, as elected representatives are swayed by financial or other inducements rather than the mandate given by the people.
The Anti-Defection Law (1985), introduced to curb defections, has had limited success. Although it makes defection an offense and disqualifies defectors, the law does not always deter opportunistic political shifts. Instability caused by frequent changes in political alliances can lead to inefficient governance, as governments often struggle to complete their term due to lack of majority support.
2. Criminalization of Politics
The growing influence of criminal elements in Indian politics is another significant challenge to the parliamentary system. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) and state legislators have criminal charges pending against them, ranging from corruption to serious offenses such as murder and assault. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a significant proportion of elected representatives have criminal records.
This criminalization of politics compromises the integrity of the political process and erodes public trust in democratic institutions. It also leads to the prioritization of personal or political agendas over public welfare, with some politicians using their influence to manipulate the system to protect their interests.
3. Frequent Disruptions in Parliamentary Proceedings
The disruption of parliamentary proceedings due to protests, walkouts, and unruly behavior by MPs is a persistent issue in India. Protests by opposition parties or even members of the ruling party can derail important legislative business. The monsoon and winter sessions of Parliament often witness frequent adjournments, loss of working days, and delays in passing crucial legislation, including the national budget and key reforms.
Such disruptions not only lead to wastage of taxpayer money but also undermine the credibility of parliamentary institutions. The inability of the government to efficiently pass laws due to constant disruptions hampers effective governance, leaving critical issues unaddressed.
4. Weak Political Parties and Lack of Internal Democracy
India’s political parties are often plagued by issues of internal democracy. Most parties are led by a single leader or a family, and decision-making processes tend to be centralized rather than democratic. This leads to a lack of transparency and accountability, with party leaders making key decisions without meaningful consultation with members or the electorate.
Furthermore, many political parties do not have a strong ideological base and may adopt opportunistic stances to attract votes, which leads to inconsistency in policies and governance. In a parliamentary system where the party with a majority forms the government, weak political parties with no clear policies can lead to a governance vacuum and ineffective policy implementation.
5. Voter Apathy and Electoral Malpractices
Although India boasts one of the largest voter bases in the world, voter apathy remains a concern, particularly in urban areas. Low voter turnout, especially in local and state elections, undermines the democratic process, as it does not represent the true will of the people. Factors such as political disillusionment, lack of proper awareness, and general apathy towards elections contribute to this problem.
Moreover, electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, manipulation of results, and the use of money and muscle power to influence elections continue to be significant challenges. While the Election Commission of India has made strides in ensuring free and fair elections, practices like electoral violence, biased media coverage, and illegal campaigning still tarnish the democratic process, making it difficult for truly representative governments to emerge.
Conclusion
The challenges facing India’s parliamentary democracy are complex and multifaceted. While India has made remarkable progress since independence, these issues hinder the smooth functioning of its democratic institutions. Tackling these challenges requires strong political will, electoral reforms, improved accountability, and greater civic engagement. Only by addressing these issues can India ensure that its parliamentary democracy remains robust, inclusive, and effective in meeting the needs of its diverse population.
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