What changes have taken place in the nature of political parties of India?
Answers
Three major phases that have marked the changing nature of political parties in India are:
- The single dominant party system.
- The challenge to the Single dominant party system.
- The Coalition Government.
Three major phases that have marked the changing nature of political parties in India are:
1. The single dominant party system
After independence, Congress was the single most powerful political party in the country. It had government both the center and most regional states for a long time.
2. The challenge to the Single dominant party system
In 1977, in the spirit of democracy, the non-Congress parties come together to challenge the single-party dominance. Congress lost elections at the center owing to the anti-decentralization policies of Indira Gandhi followed during the emergency years (1975-77) and various regional parties took this opportunity to mark their foothold in regional politics.
3. The Coalition Government
After the 1989 General Elections, no single party could achieve a defining major to form the government at the centre. Hence, different parties came together to form coalition governments. Contrary to popular belief, the coalition system of government has been a successful practice in India. Owing to the multiple stakeholders in the government, the decision-making process has been gradual but it is important to note that various regional concerns have found a voice at the national stage, thus strengthening the democracy.