The Indian party system, a cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework, is currently undergoing a transformative phase marked by a complex interplay of contradictions and paradoxes. As India grapples with the intricacies of its diverse social fabric, economic disparities, and regional variations, the political landscape is witnessing a dynamic evolution. The traditional party structures that once defined Indian politics are now facing challenges from newer, more dynamic forces. On one hand, there is a rise in regional parties championing localized issues, reflecting the mosaic of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic identities across the vast nation. Simultaneously, national parties are navigating the paradox of maintaining a pan-Indian appeal while addressing the unique concerns of specific regions. The advent of coalition politics further accentuates the intricacies, as alliances emerge and dissolve based on shifting priorities. Moreover, the emergence of charismatic leaders and the increasing influence of social media are introducing new dynamics, and challenging established norms. This transitional phase reflects a delicate balance between continuity and change, where the old guard contends with the demands of a rapidly evolving political landscape. In exploring these contradictions and paradoxes, one gains insight into the evolving nature of India’s party system, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Tag: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to start your answer with what is the party system and the Indian party system.
- In the Body, discuss the change in the party system as per the timescale and mention the paradox.
- In Conclusion, try to write suggestions to address the issues.
Answer:
The Indian party system, over more than six decades after Independence, provides a contrasting picture of partial success, serious shortcomings and huge challenges.India has a multi-party system due to the continental size of the country and the diversified character of Indian society. These parties espouse causes as varied as all-encompassing nation-building and welfare to specific causes such as region, religion, caste, or language.
There are three kinds of party systems in the world:
- One party system in which only one ruling party exists and no opposition is permitted, as, in the former communist countries like the USSR and other East European countries;
- A two-party system in which two major parties exist, as, in the USA and Britain; and
- Multi-party system in which several political parties are leading to the formation of coalition governments, as, in France, Switzerland, and Italy.
A Phase of Transition with Contradictions and Paradoxes:
- One-party dominance: Since independence, the Indian party system has passed through several transitory phases, from a single-party dominance at the Centre and the states to a multi-party system from 1977. Despite the multi-party system, the political scene in India was dominated for a long period by Congress. Rajni Kothari, an eminent political analyst, called the Indian party system a one-party dominance system or the Congress system.
- Multi-party System: The dominant position enjoyed by the Congress has been declining since 1967 with the rise of regional parties and other national parties like Janata (1977), Janata Dal (1989), and the BJP (1991) leading to the development of a competitive multi-party system. Regional political parties started becoming important in the formation of coalition governments.
- Lack of clear Ideology: Except for the BJP and the two communist parties (CPI and CPM), all other parties do not have a clear-cut ideology; they have a close resemblance in their policies and programs.
- Personality cult: The parties are often organized around an eminent leader who becomes more important than the party and its ideology; they are also known by their leaders rather than by their manifesto. For example, Congress (leadership of Indira Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru), Biju Janata Dal, AIADMK, etc.
- Frequent Defection: Factionalism, defections, splits, mergers, fragmentation, polarization, and so on have been important aspects of the functioning of political parties in India. Lust for power and material considerations have made the politicians leave their party and join another party or start a new party.
- Ineffective Opposition: An effective opposition is essential for a successful parliamentary democracy. It checks the autocratic tendencies of the ruling party and provides an alternative government. But there has been no strong opposition political party in recent years.
- Corruption: political parties are indulging in corrupt practices while in office; black money has been used in elections on a large scale. There is a lack of political will, a lack of inner-party democracy, ambiguity in funding, etc. There is growth in pre-poll alliances between groupings with disparate ideologies and different priorities.
Positives:
- The number of state parties has increased and the number of registered parties doubled from eighty-five to 173 over the same period. The number of parties represented in the Lower House of Parliament has steadily increased.
- What has emerged is a party system characterized by a high degree of fragmentation and vigorous competition between parties.
- The multiplicity of parties means that a broader range of regional and social group interests find representation and a share of power.
A healthy, resilient democracy is based on inclusiveness, for which political parties and representative institutions are in a key position to safeguard. But in recent times, parties are finding it harder to sustain an atmosphere of inclusiveness, particularly as women and youth are largely excluded from representative institutions. The recommendations of the Election Commission, 2nd ARC, Law Commission, etc. can be adopted to make the political parties more transparent, inclusive, and effective.
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