Four statements regarding one-party dominance are given below. Mark each of them as true or false.
(a) One-party dominance is rooted in the absence of strong alternative political parties.
(b) One-party dominance occurs because of weak public opinion.
(c) One-party dominance is linked to the nation’s colonial past.
(d) One-party dominance reflects the absence of democratic ideals in a country.
(a) One-party dominance is rooted in the absence of strong alternative political parties.
(b) One-party dominance occurs because of weak public opinion.
(c) One-party dominance is linked to the nation’s colonial past.
(d) One-party dominance reflects the absence of democratic ideals in a country.
(a) True
One of the reasons for the Congress party to dominate Indian political scenario from 1952-67 was the absence of strong opposition parties and leadership. None of the opposition parties could win even one-tenth of the number of seats won by the Congress. The non-Congress votes were divided among different rival parties and candidates and, therefore, could not emerge as a challenge to the Congress.
(b) False
It is the public opinion and political mood of the country that is in favour of one particular party that contributes to its dominance. In India, there was a strong public support in favour of Congress because the party had led the nationalist struggle, because of its strong and charismatic political leadership and the fact Congress formed an ideological coalition government representing diverse views and interests. By the time other parties were working on their electoral strategies, congress had started its national campaigning to muster support.
(c) True
One of the reasons that accounted for Congress’ unprecedented victory was the pioneering role that it played during the national struggle. It was seen synonymous with the national movement, leading the struggle against the colonial yoke. It gradually emerged from an elitist organisation to a mass party having a pan-India appeal. Its political leaders faced arrests by the British and were defined by strong credentials and integrity.
(d) False
One-party dominance does not imply that the country is not based on democratic values and beliefs; rather it is reflective of a strong role played by one political party. India is characterised by multi-party system, offering ample choice to the voters. A number of parties existed along with the Congress, like the Communist, Socialist and Swantantra Party but none of them could challenge the influence of the Congress. Along with the parties, the country also had an independent election commission to ensure free and fair elections on regular intervals that were in sync with democratic principles. It provided a fair chance to all the parties to win and lose.
One of the reasons for the Congress party to dominate Indian political scenario from 1952-67 was the absence of strong opposition parties and leadership. None of the opposition parties could win even one-tenth of the number of seats won by the Congress. The non-Congress votes were divided among different rival parties and candidates and, therefore, could not emerge as a challenge to the Congress.
(b) FalseIt is the public opinion and political mood of the country that is in favour of one particular party that contributes to its dominance. In India, there was a strong public support in favour of Congress because the party had led the nationalist struggle, because of its strong and charismatic political leadership and the fact Congress formed an ideological coalition government representing diverse views and interests. By the time other parties were working on their electoral strategies, congress had started its national campaigning to muster support.
(c) TrueOne of the reasons that accounted for Congress’ unprecedented victory was the pioneering role that it played during the national struggle. It was seen synonymous with the national movement, leading the struggle against the colonial yoke. It gradually emerged from an elitist organisation to a mass party having a pan-India appeal. Its political leaders faced arrests by the British and were defined by strong credentials and integrity.
(d) FalseOne-party dominance does not imply that the country is not based on democratic values and beliefs; rather it is reflective of a strong role played by one political party. India is characterised by multi-party system, offering ample choice to the voters. A number of parties existed along with the Congress, like the Communist, Socialist and Swantantra Party but none of them could challenge the influence of the Congress. Along with the parties, the country also had an independent election commission to ensure free and fair elections on regular intervals that were in sync with democratic principles. It provided a fair chance to all the parties to win and lose.
