Question

Did the prevalence of ‘one-party dominance’ in India affect the democratic nature of Indian politics? Express your opinion.

Answer 1

1. The Congress accommodated diversified interests, religions, beliefs, and aspirations to strengthen democracy.
2. By the time of independence, the Congress was transformed into a rainbow like social coalition broadly representing India’s diversity in terms of classes and castes, religions and languages, and various interests.
3. It accommodated the revolutionary and pacifist, conservative and radical, extremist and moderate, and the right, left, and all shades of the centre. The inclusive character of the national movement led by the Congress enabled it to attract different sections, groups, and interests, making it a broad-based social and ideological coalition.
4. Despite differences regarding the methods, specific programs, and policies, the party managed to contain, if not resolve, differences and build a consensus, thus strengthening the democratic nature of Indian politics.