Question

What do you understand about one party dominance? Would you consider it as dominance only in elections or also in terms of ideology? Discuss with reasons.

Answer 1

i) One party dominance refers to the Congress dominance in the post independence era both in national and state legislatures.
ii) It is not an undemocratic situation rather other parties also contest in elections but unable to win enough seats to challenge Congress.
iii) This dominance is characterized both in terms of elections and also in terms of ideology.
iv) After independence congress managed to win election after election. No other party was capable enough to challenge the dominance of Congress. Its dominance was not only limited at the Centre but extended to states as well.
v) It formed governments in most of the states, especially the northern states. The Congress party was not a party with one ideology but rather represented the interest of different groups.
vi) It accommodated people from every section of society. Each voice formed a part of Congress. Thus, it had an umbrella-like character which further justified its dominance.