COALITION GOVERNMENT

 

COALITION GOVERNMENT

Why In News:

§  Recently concluded 2024 General Elections of Lok Sabha resulted in formation of a coalition government at the centre as no political party got a clear majority in the Lower House of the Parliament.

What is a Coalition Government:

§  Coalition government is defined as when several political parties join hands to form a government and exercise political power based on a common agreed programme.

§  Coalitions usually occur in modern parliaments when no single political party gets clear majority.

§  If several parties with a majority of elected members can agree on a shared plan without compromising too much with their policies, they can form a government.

Features Of Coalition Government:

§  A coalition implies the existence of at least two parties to form government.

§  Pragmatism and not ideology mark of coalition politics.

§  Coalition politics is not a static but a dynamic affair as coalition players and groups dissolve and form new ones.

§  A coalition government works based on a minimum programme, which may not satisfy aspirations of all the members of the coalition government.

Pre-poll and Post-poll Coalition:

§  The pre-poll coalition is considerably advantageous because it provides a common platform for the parties to woo the electorate based on a joint manifesto.

§  The post-election union is intended to enable constituents to share political power and run the government.

Key Coalition Governments in India’s History

1. Janata Party Government (1977-1979): The first major coalition government formed

after the Emergency, led by Morarji Desai.

2. National Front Government (1989-1991): Led by V.P. Singh, this coalition included

the Janata Dal and several regional parties.

3. United Front Governments (1996-1998): A coalition led by H.D. Deve Gowda and

later I.K. Gujral, supported externally by the Congress.

4. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government (1998-2004): Led by Atal Bihari

Vajpayee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

5. United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Governments (2004-2014): Led by the Congress

party under Manmohan Singh.

6. NDA Government (2014-Present): Led by Narendra Modi of the BJP, continuing into

the 2024 term.

Coalition Government: Pros And Cons

Pros

1. Inclusivity: Coalition governments bring together multiple parties, representing a wider spectrum of the electorate. This inclusivity can lead to more comprehensive and balanced policies that consider diverse interests and regional concerns.

2. Power Sharing: They promote power-sharing among various political entities, reducing the dominance of a single party. This can lead to more democratic decision making processes and prevent authoritarian tendencies.

3. Regional Representation: Coalition governments often include regional parties, ensuring that local issues and regional interests are adequately represented at the national level.

4. Checks and Balances: The presence of multiple parties in government can act as a check on the power of the ruling coalition, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

5. Policy Innovation: The need to negotiate and collaborate among coalition partners can lead to innovative and well-rounded policy solutions, as different perspectives are considered.

Cons

1. Instability: Coalition governments can be unstable, as disagreements among coalition partners may lead to frequent changes in leadership or even the collapse of the government.

2. Policy Paralysis: The need for consensus among coalition partners can lead to delays in decision-making and policy implementation, resulting in policy paralysis.

3. Compromises: Coalition governments often have to make compromises to keep all partners satisfied. This can result in diluted policies and a lack of decisive action on critical issues.

4. Conflicting Agendas: Different parties in a coalition may have conflicting agendas and priorities, leading to internal conflicts and inefficiencies in governance.

5. Short-term Focus: To maintain coalition unity, governments may focus on short term gains and populist measures rather than long-term strategic planning.

Recommendations of Punchhi Commission on Coalition

Punchhi Commission Recommendation:

§  The Punchhi Commission established clear rules for how Governors should handle appointing Chief Ministers in hung assemblies. These guidelines hold true for President as well:

§  The party or combination of parties which commands the wide support in the Legislative Assembly should be called upon to form the Government.

§  If there is a pre-poll alliance or coalition, it should be treated as one political party and if such coalition obtains a majority, leader of such coalition shall be called by the Governor to form the Government.

§  In case no party or pre-poll coalition has a clear majority, Governor should select the Chief Minister in the order preference indicated here.

§  The group of parties which had pre-poll alliance commanding the largest number

§  The largest single party staking a claim to form the government with the support of Others

§  A post-electoral coalition with all partners joining the government

§  A post-electoral alliance with some parties joining the government and the remaining including independents supporting the government from outside

Conclusion

§  Despite the inherent challenges, coalition governments offer a platform for diverse voices and can foster consensus-driven policies.

§  A well-functioning coalition, built on a foundation of mutual respect, strong leadership, and a commitment to national progress, can navigate the complexities of a vibrant democracy.