General Election 2024 and Coalition Government | 06 Jun 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, for the first time since 1962, a government has returned for a third term after completing two consecutive terms spanning a decade.

• However, the result signifies the end of single-party dominance and heralds the return of a true coalition government at the Centre.

What is a Coalition Government?

• About:
  • 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.

What are the Merits and Demerits of the Coalition Government?

• Merits:
  • A coalition government brings together different parties to make decisions that are balanced and satisfy interests of various stakeholders.
  • India's diverse cultures, languages, and groups make coalition governments more representative and reflective of popular opinion than single-party governments.
  • Coalition politics strengthens India's federal system by being more attentive to regional needs than a single-party government.
• Demerits:
  • They are unstable because disagreements on policy issues among coalition partners can cause the government to collapse.
  • In a coalition government, the Prime Minister's authority is restricted as they must consult with coalition partners before making significant decisions.
  • The Steering Committee, like a 'Super-Cabinet' for coalition partners, diminishes the authority of the cabinet in governing.
  • Smaller parties in a coalition government might have significant influence by demanding more than their fair share of power in Parliament.
  • Leaders of regional parties influence national decisions by advocating for issues specific to their regions, exerting pressure on the central government to align with their interests under the threat of coalition withdrawal.
  • In a coalition government, the Council of Ministers tends to be larger due to the interests of all major parties in the coalition.
  • In coalition governments, members often avoid taking responsibility for mistakes by blaming each other, thus avoiding both collective and individual accountability.

What has been the Role of Coalition Governments in Reforms?

• Historical Context:
  • Since 1991, India experienced coalition governments where the leading party was far from the majority mark of 272.
  • Coalition governments have implemented some of the boldest economic reforms in India’s history.
• Notable Reforms by Previous Coalition Governments:
  • P V Narasimha Rao Government (1991-1996):
    • Economic Liberalisation (LPG Reforms): Liberalised the economy by removing the licence-permit raj and embraced global competition.
    • WTO Membership: India became a member of the World Trade Organisation, integrating more deeply into the global economy.
  • Deve Gowda Government (June 1996-April 1997):
    • Dream Budget: Finance Minister was known for reducing tax rates, and fostering a more favourable economic environment for taxpayers and businesses.
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government (March 1998-May 2004):
    • Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management (FRBM) Act: Introduced fiscal discipline by limiting government borrowing.
    • Disinvestment and Infrastructure: Pushed for disinvestment of loss-making PSUs and improved rural infrastructure through schemes like the PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
    • Information Technology Act, 2000: Laid the groundwork for the booming e-commerce sector in India.
  • Manmohan Singh Government (2004-2014):
    • Rights-Based Reforms: Various reformative measures were brought in like the Right to Education Act, the Right to Information Act, the Right to Food, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MG-NREGA).
    • Economic Deregulation: Deregulated fuel prices, initiated direct benefit transfers, and worked on the Aadhaar and GST systems.

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.
• Justice M N Venkatachaliah commission report has suggested the idea of a permanent coalition.
  • The report suggested it would be best if all governments in India, at all tiers, mandatorily accomplish a 50-plus vote share.
  • With this recommendation, Justice Venkatachaliah meant that only a government with a 50-plus % vote share would have the necessary legitimacy to govern.