Role of coalition governments - the path of preserving democracy and how it had been done in the past?

IAS Main Exam: Paper I

Model Question

Role of coalition governments - the path of preserving democracy and how it had been done in the past?

It’s a wonder to observe that; “India’s cultural diversity rests with the people and her political diversity rests with number of political parties”

                India as a strongest democracy, has been giving a ‘rock-bed’ layer for the functioning of coalition government. The constitutional scheme envisaged acknowledges the ‘plurality’ of political parties under single governance.

                Here, its pertinent to note the following points with regard to coalition governments and its culture of preserving Indian democracy:

1. It was during 1967, for the first time the coalition government came to existence
2. It’s  important to note that coalition governments were first formed at states.
3. Coalition governments, largely a necessary result  of decline of Congress as a political party.
4. The Coalition necessity was due to declining nature of Congress political support base, especially after the demise of Jawaharlal Nehru.
5. The following instances, where governments in a coalition form set up at the centre.
   
   

1. First time during 1969 general elections.

2. During emergency period, when Jaya prakash narayan  dominated the political scene.
3. As a result of emergency years  ‘National Front’, first all India coalition political parties consist
    of Congress (O), Jan Sangh and swatantra party came up.

4. The coalition was also a necessary situation, where,  recently  tow new   ‘Grand Coalition’ Viz.,NDA – National Democratic Alliance since 1998 and UPA – United Progressive alliance since     2004 have been formed

                The above mentioned political situations were stunning example, that shows  the people , in a way, demonstrated that  there is no necessity for a single party rule and hence people gave chance to almost major political parties to come to gather and rule.

                The following outcome may be observed when one means that  coalition governments preserves our democracy;

        I.    Coalition gives merger of political ideas and serves the country for one single purpose of development.

                  II.           Coalition represents wider peoples voice. This is done by incorporating regional parties.

         III.    The most important point is that  ‘the independent candidates ‘ are highly concentrated searched and rewarded in coalition governments.

                IV.         Also, coalition governments gives a necessary stop to defection by elected candidates.

Thus, it’s evident from the present day political spectrum that coalition governments are the order of the day.  And that it’s going to be forever. The recently concluded, formed  ‘Janata Pariwar’ is a testimony to this notion.

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Author:

Kannan Periyanayagam

Note: Any clarification, addition or correction is welcome. You may comment on the blog itself or mail to kannajee2000@gmail.com