Question

Analyse the main reason responsible for the formation of Coalition Governments after 1989.

Hint:

Main Cause: Fall of Congress dominance + Fragmentation of votes + Growth of regional state parties = Coalition Era post-1989.

Answer 1

The central reason responsible for the rise of Coalition Governments in Indian politics after 1989 was the end of the single-party dominance of the Congress Party (termed the "Congress System") and the emergence of a fragmented multi-party system. Key contributing factors include:
• Electoral Fragmentation and Regionalisation: No single national political party was able to secure an absolute majority (272 seats) on its own in the Lok Sabha during general elections held in 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999.
• Rise of Regional Parties: Social movements, backward caste mobilization (post-Mandal Commission), and regional assertions led to the rapid growth of powerful state-level regional political parties.
• Necessity for Alliances: To construct a workable parliamentary majority and form the central government, national parties like the Congress and BJP were compelled to forge multi-party alliances (e.g., National Front, United Front, NDA, UPA) with regional partners.