Question

What changes have taken place in the nature of political parties in India?​

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Era of the single dominant party system.​
• Non-Congress party came into existence​
• Trend of Coalition governments​

Solution:
The first approach:

• The Indian National Congress had the advantage of an early start as it was established in the year 1885. ​
• The Congress played a significant role during the independence struggle. Its popularity resulted in its consistent electoral victory in the post-independence era. ​
• The Indian National Congress formed its government in the centre along with government in majority constituent states.
• In the post-independence, no other political party was strong enough to challenge the Congress. This resulted in this era being called as the era of 'single dominant party system'.

The second approach:

• The popularity of the Indian National Congress took a hit during the emergency years, that is, from 1975 to 1977. ​
• The elections of 1977 were significant as it marked the end of 'single dominant party system'.​
• Several non-Congress parties came together and challenged the rule of Congress. This resulted in Morarji Desai becoming the first 'non-Congress' Prime Minister.

Coalition of governement:

• V P Singh was elected as the Prime Minister. His victory was made possible by the coalition of Janata Dal, Bharatiya Janta Party and other parties. This resulted in setting a trend of coalition governments.​
• A coalition government is formed with several political parties coming together especially when no single party is able to secure a clear majority. ​
• To conclude, the nature of Indian political parties has gone through several changes which proves that its a dynamic and flexible system.