Coalition government in India

Recently, the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) led by BJP, formed the government at the centre for the third consecutive time.

Definition of Coalition Government: A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties come together to exercise political power based on a commonly agreed programme, typically because no single party has achieved a clear majority in the parliament.
Formation and Features: Coalition governments arise in situations where no party secures a majority, leading to alliances that can form a government if they agree on a shared plan. These governments are marked by pragmatism rather than strict ideological alignment and are dynamic, with parties and groups frequently changing.
Pre-poll and Post-poll Coalitions: Pre-poll coalitions are formed before elections to present a united front to voters, while post-poll coalitions are formed after elections to share political power and govern.

The Punchhi Commission set guidelines for appointing Chief Ministers in hung assemblies.
It recommended that the party or coalition with the widest support should be invited to form the government, treating pre-poll alliances as single entities, and outlined the order of preference if no clear majority exists.

The Sarkaria Commission highlighted issues in Indian federalism arising from poor consultation between the Centre and states and noted that the interstate council was effective when regional parties played a significant role at the national level, underscoring the importance of coalition governments.

Representation of Diverse Interests: Since they have multiple parties they can represent a broader spectrum of the population, addressing diverse regional, social, and economic interests.
Checks and Balances: There will be a system of checks and balances that reduces the likelihood of authoritarian decision-making and promoting democratic governance.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Policies and decisions are typically the result of negotiations and consensus among coalition partners, leading to more balanced and inclusive governance.
Reduced Dominance of a Single Party: Coalition governments prevent any single party from having excessive control, fostering a more equitable political environment and promoting power-sharing.

Policy Paralysis: The need for consensus among diverse coalition partners can lead to slow decision-making and policy paralysis, as compromises and negotiations can be time-consuming and contentious.
Fragmented Governance: The inclusion of multiple parties with differing agendas can lead to fragmented governance, with inconsistent policies and priorities that may hinder cohesive and effective administration.
Instability and Frequent Elections: Coalition governments can be unstable, as disagreements among coalition partners may lead to the collapse of the government, resulting in frequent elections and political instability.
Compromise on Ideology: Parties in a coalition often have to compromise on their core ideologies and principles to maintain the alliance, potentially diluting their political identity and disappointing their voter base.
Political Bargaining: Coalition governments can be marked by political bargaining and deal-making, where smaller parties may demand disproportionate influence or concessions, leading to governance that prioritizes political survival over public interest.

To strengthen India’s coalition governments, clear agreements should outline the shared agenda and responsibilities of each partner. Establishing regular dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms will enhance communication among coalition members.
Ensuring stability through fixed tenures and incentives for collaboration is crucial. Broad-based policy formulation that benefits all constituents and supports decentralization should be promoted.
Finally, building public trust through transparency, accountability, and public engagement is essential for effective governance.

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