The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 10th July 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Formation of Coalition Governments in India

• Morarji Desai (March 1977 - July 1979): India saw its first major coalition government when the Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, came to power with Morarji Desai as Prime Minister.
• Charan Singh (July 1979 - January 1980): Charan Singh, founder of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and former Home Minister, became Prime Minister in July 1979. His tenure lasted only 23 days, making him the only Indian Prime Minister who never faced Parliament during his term.
• VP Singh (December 1989 - November 1990): The National Front coalition, led by Vishwanath Pratap Singh of the Janata Dal, came to power in 1989, followed by a Janata Dal (Socialist) administration under Chandra Shekhar in 1990.
• Chandra Shekhar (November 1990 - June 1991): Chandra Shekhar formed an alliance with Congress and became Prime Minister in November 1990.
• HD Deve Gowda (June 1996 - April 1997): Deve Gowda took office in June 1996, with Congress providing external support to his United Front government.
• Inder Kumar Gujral (April 1997 - March 1998): After Congress withdrew support from the United Front government, Inder Kumar Gujral succeeded Deve Gowda. His tenure ended in November 1997 when Congress withdrew its backing.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee (March 1998 - May 2004): The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with Vajpayee as Prime Minister, governed from 1998 to 2004.
• Manmohan Singh (May 2004 - May 2014): The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, ruled from 2004 to 2014.

Notable Reforms by Previous Coalition Governments

• P. V. Narasimha Rao-led Government:

  • Economic Liberalisation: Opened the Indian economy by removing the license-permit raj.
  • WTO Membership: India joined the World Trade Organisation.

• Deve Gowda-led Government:

  • Dream Budget: Lowered tax rates and customs duties, boosting faith in taxpayers.

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Government:

  • Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management (FRBM) Law: Established fiscal discipline and limited government borrowing.
  • Disinvestment of Loss-making PSUs: Advanced the disinvestment of loss-making public sector undertakings.
  • Rural Infrastructure & Connectivity: Launched the PM Gram Sadak Yojana to improve rural infrastructure.
  • Information Technology Act, 2000: Laid the foundation for India's e-commerce sector.

• Manmohan Singh-led Government:

  • Rights-based Approach: Introduced several reforms, including the Right to Information Act, the Right to Food, and MG-NREGA.
  • Deregulation of Fuel Prices: Deregulated fuel prices and initiated direct benefit transfers, Aadhaar, and GST.

Merits of Coalition Governments

• Economic Growth: Coalition governments can achieve high economic growth. For instance, the UPA government's 10-year rule saw a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%.
• Accommodation of Diverse Interests: Coalition governments represent various social, regional, and ideological groups, promoting inclusivity. Example: UPA (2004-2014) included DMK, NCP, and RJD.
• Checks and Balances: Coalition governments promote transparency, accountability, and dialogue among political parties. Example: National Front government (1989-1990).
• Consensus-Based Politics: Policies require agreement from all coalition partners, leading to consensus-based politics. Example: NDA (1999-2004) under Vajpayee.
• Strengthening of Federal Fabric: Coalition politics is sensitive to regional demands. Example: V.P. Singh's government set up the Interstate Council to improve center-state dialogue.
• Reduced Chances of Despotic Rule: Coalition governments prevent dominance by any single party. Example: Janata Party government (1977-1979).
• Increased Inclusivity: Coalition governments include diverse parties, making decisions that reflect various regional and social interests. Example: UPA government's creation of Telangana state in 2014.

Demerits of Coalition Governments

• Instability: Coalition governments can be unstable due to differences among partners. Example: Charan Singh government (1979) lasted a few months.
• Curtailed Leadership of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister must consult coalition partners on major decisions. Example: Manmohan Singh (2004-2014) had to accommodate coalition partners' views.
• Undermining of Cabinet’s Role: Coalition partners' coordination committees can diminish the cabinet's role. Example: National Advisory Council (NAC) during the UPA government.
• Smaller Parties Playing ‘King-Maker’: Smaller coalition partners can exert disproportionate influence. Example: Haryana Vikas Party in 1996.
• Regional Parties Bringing in Regional Factors: Regional parties bring regional issues to national decision-making. Example: DMK's influence on the UPA government regarding Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Lack of Responsibility for Failures: Coalition partners may evade accountability by blaming each other. Example: 2G spectrum scam 2011 during the UPA government.
• Faltered on Inflation: Coalition governments have struggled to control inflation. Example: Higher inflation rates during UPA's second stint compared to BJP's majority government.

Conclusion

Coalition governments in India have played a significant role in shaping the country's political and economic landscape. While they bring inclusivity and representation, they also face challenges like instability and constrained leadership.