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    COALITION POLITICS IN 1980s

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    COALITION POLITICS IN 1980s

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    COALITION POLITICS IN 1980s

    Uploaded by

    marthakhiangte0.0

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    COALITION POLITICS IN 1980s

    In the 1980s, India witnessed a significant transformation in its political landscape,


    characterized by the rise of coalition politics. This era marked a departure from the
    dominance of single-party rule and saw the emergence of multi-party alliances at the national
    and state levels. Several factors contributed to the prevalence of coalition politics during this
    period:

    1. Fragmentation of the Congress Party:


    The Indian National Congress, which had been the dominant political force since
    independence, experienced internal divisions and leadership struggles in the 1980s. The party
    split multiple times, leading to the formation of breakaway factions and regional offshoots.
    This fragmentation weakened the Congress's hold on power and created opportunities for
    other political players to gain prominence.
    2. Regionalization of Politics:
    The 1980s saw the resurgence of regional political parties, particularly in states with distinct
    linguistic and cultural identities. These regional parties capitalized on local grievances and
    aspirations, challenging the hegemony of national parties like the Congress. Regional leaders,
    such as N.T. Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh, M.G. Ramachandran in Tamil Nadu, and Biju
    Patnaik in Odisha, formed their own parties and forged alliances with like-minded regional
    outfits, laying the groundwork for coalition politics.
    3. Electoral Realignment:
    The electoral landscape in India underwent significant realignment during the 1980s, with the
    emergence of new caste-based and identity-based political formations. Parties representing
    marginalized communities, such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party
    (SP), gained traction, challenging traditional political equations. This shift in electoral
    dynamics led to the formation of coalition governments that relied on the support of diverse
    caste and community groups.
    4. Coalition Governments at the Centre:
    The 1989 general elections marked a watershed moment in Indian politics, as no single party
    secured a clear majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). This fragmented
    mandate necessitated the formation of coalition governments, with the Janata Dal emerging
    as the nucleus of the ruling alliance. The National Front government, led by Prime Minister
    V.P. Singh, relied on the support of various regional and left-leaning parties, showcasing the
    growing influence of coalition politics at the national level.
    5. State-level Coalitions:
    In addition to coalition governments at the Centre, several states also witnessed the formation
    of multi-party alliances. Regional parties and independents often held the balance of power in
    state assemblies, necessitating post-election alliances to form stable governments. These
    state-level coalitions reflected the diverse socio-political landscape of India and underscored
    the importance of regional dynamics in shaping political outcomes.
    6. Challenges of Coalition Governance:
    While coalition politics provided a platform for diverse voices to be heard, it also posed
    challenges in terms of governance and stability. Coalition governments often grappled with
    policy paralysis, inter-party conflicts, and the constant threat of defections. The need to
    accommodate diverse interests within the coalition sometimes resulted in compromises on
    key policy issues, hindering effective governance.

    In summary, the 1980s marked a period of transition in Indian politics, characterized by the
    emergence of coalition politics as a prominent feature of the political landscape. This era
    witnessed the decentralization of power, the rise of regional parties, and the formation of
    multi-party alliances, shaping the trajectory of Indian democracy in the years to come.

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