The General Elections of 2004 resulted in a coalition government.

In the General Elections of 2004 in India, no single party was able to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament). As a result, a coalition government was formed with the support of multiple political parties. The coalition government was led by the Indian National Congress and its allies.

Reasons for the coalition government:

1. Lack of majority: None of the political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, were able to secure the required number of seats (272 out of 543) to form a government independently. This led to the necessity of forming a coalition government.

2. Regional diversity: India is a diverse country with multiple states, each having its own regional political parties. These regional parties play a crucial role in the formation of a coalition government. In 2004, several regional parties joined hands with the Congress to form a coalition government.

3. Anti-incumbency factor: The ruling party at that time, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), faced anti-incumbency sentiment due to various factors such as economic issues, internal conflicts, and dissatisfaction among certain sections of society. This contributed to the fragmentation of votes and the formation of a coalition government.

4. United Progressive Alliance (UPA): The coalition government formed after the 2004 elections was known as the United Progressive Alliance. It consisted of various political parties, including the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Nationalist Congress Party, and others.

Impact of the coalition government:

1. Stability and governance: The coalition government faced challenges in terms of decision-making and policy implementation due to the involvement of multiple parties with different ideologies. However, it managed to provide a stable government and effectively govern the country for the next five years.

2. Policy reforms: The coalition government focused on implementing various policy reforms in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development. It introduced initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and Right to Information Act (RTI), which had a significant impact on the lives of the people.

3. Foreign policy: The coalition government pursued a balanced foreign policy approach, maintaining relations with both the United States and other major powers, as well as strengthening ties with neighboring countries. It played a crucial role in shaping India's position on global issues.

In conclusion, the General Elections of 2004 in India resulted in a coalition government due to the lack of a single party securing a majority. The coalition government led by the Indian National Congress successfully governed the country for the next five years, implementing various policy reforms and maintaining stability.