Question

Coalition governments proved to be a boon for democracy in India. Support the statement with three relevant arguments.

Answer 1

The emergence of coalition governments in India took place in the following ways:

1. During1967 elections, the opposition parties realized that the division of their votes kept the Congress in power. This led to the formation of anti congress fronts and the rise of ‘non-Congressism’ in Indian politics. This brought the opposition together. As a result, coalition governments were formed in eight states which included Punjab, Haryana, UP, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and other states.
2. In the elections of Lok Sabha in 1971 and State Assembly elections in 1972, Congress achieved victories, but the Congress under Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not have the capacity to absorb all tensions and conflicts that the ‘Congress System’ was known for.
3. The declaration of emergency in 1975 once again brought the opposition together.
4. Janta Party was formed and it came to power in 1977. But the Janta Party could not remain united. It lacked direction, leadership, and a common program. Congress once again won elections held in 1980 and 1984. It, however, depended on the appeal of one leader  - Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
5. In the 1989 elections, Congress was the largest party but it sat in the opposition. The National Front government, an alliance of Janta Dal and some regional parties, was formed.
6. The election of 1989 marked the end of Congress's dominance and the beginning of coalition governments because, after this, one or two parties never got most of the votes or seats. No single party secured a clear majority of seats in any Lok Sabha elections. This initiated an era of coalition government at the Center in which regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.