Coalition Governments in India

What is a Coalition Government?

• A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties come together to form a majority in the legislature.
• It emerges when no single party can secure a majority of seats.
• Popular in India post-1989 due to fragmented electoral mandates.
  

Key Features

• Comprises at least two political parties.
• Formed either pre-poll (common manifesto) or post-poll (after elections).
• Pragmatism over ideology; political compromise is essential.
• Term “Coalition Dharma” coined by Atal Bihari Vajpayee—emphasizes mutual respect among partners.
  

Historical Evolution

• 1977: First coalition at Centre (Janata Party post-Emergency).
• 1998–2004: First coalition to complete full term—NDA under Vajpayee.
• 2004–2014: UPA under Manmohan Singh—another stable coalition era.
• 2024: NDA returns to power as coalition after BJP falls short of majority.
  

Key Coalition Governments (Chronological Highlights)

• Morarji Desai (1977–1979): Janata Party.
• V.P. Singh (1989–1990): National Front.
• Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991): With Congress support, lasted 7 months.
• H.D. Deve Gowda & I.K. Gujral (1996–1998): United Front with external Congress support.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998–2004): NDA government.
• Manmohan Singh (2004–2014): UPA I and II.

Major Reforms by Coalition Governments

• 1991 Economic Reforms: PV Narasimha Rao Govt.
• IT Act, 2000: Vajpayee Govt.—boosted digital India.
• RTI Act, MNREGA, Food Security Act: UPA Govt.
• FRBM Act & PSU Disinvestment: NDA under Vajpayee.
• Direct Benefit Transfer, Aadhaar groundwork: UPA II.
  

Merits of Coalition Governments

1. Inclusive Governance: Accommodates diverse regional and ideological groups.
2. Consensus Politics: Promotes negotiation and balanced decision-making.
3. Checks on Despotism: Prevents one-party dominance.
4. Strengthens Federalism: Regional voices gain prominence.
5. Reform-Oriented: Many major reforms (economic, administrative) done under coalition regimes.
6. Better Representation: Reflects India’s social, linguistic, and cultural diversity.
   

Demerits of Coalition Governments

1. Instability: Prone to collapse due to inter-party conflicts.
2. Weak PM Leadership: PM has to accommodate coalition partners.
3. Rise of Regionalism: National interest sometimes compromised.
4. Policy Paralysis: Difficult to pass contentious reforms.
5. Blame Games: Lack of accountability during failures.
6. Small Parties as Kingmakers: Disproportionate influence on national policies.
7. Parallel Power Centres: Like NAC during UPA, undermine cabinet authority.
   

Recommendations from Major Commissions

• Punchhi Commission (2010):

• • • Clear order of precedence in CM appointment in hung assemblies.
    • Pre-poll alliances to be treated as a single entity.
  • Sarkaria Commission:
    • Emphasized Centre-State coordination and consultations.
    • Highlighted importance of regional voices via coalition governance.

• M.N. Venkatachaliah Commission:

• • Advocated for governments with a minimum 50% vote share for legitimacy.
  • Suggested idea of a “permanent coalition” for stability.
    

Conclusion

• Despite challenges, coalition governments have played a vital role in shaping India’s democracy.
• They reflect the pluralistic fabric of Indian society and often act as vehicles for major reforms.
• Their success depends on consensus-building, respect for partners, and national interest above all.