Coalition governments proved to be a boon for democracy in India. ‘Support the statement with three relevant arguments.

Question 18:Coalition governments proved to be a boon for democracy in India. ‘Support the statement with three relevant arguments.

The correct answer is -The emergence of coalition governments in India took place in the following
ways:
I) During1967 elections, the opposition parties realized that the division
of their votes kept the Congress in power. This led to formation of antiCongress fronts and rise of ‘non-Congressism’ in Indian politics. This brought the opposition together. As a result, coalition governments
were formed in eight states which included Punjab, Haryana, UP,
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and other states.
II) In the elections of Lok Sabha in 1971 and State Assembly elections in
1972, Congress achieved victories, but the Congress under Mrs. Indira
Gandhi did not have the capacity to absorb all tensions and conflicts
that the ‘Congress System’ was known for.
III) The declaration of emergency in 1975 once again brought the
opposition together.
IV) Janta Party was formed and it came to power in 1977. But the Janta
Party could not remain united. It lacked direction, leadership and a
common programme. Congress once again won elections held in 1980
and 1984. It, however, depended on the appeal of one leader- Mrs.
Indira Gandhi.
V) In the 1989 elections, the Congress was the largest party but it sat in
the opposition. The National Front government, an alliance of Janta
Dal and some regional parties, was formed.
VI) The election of 1989 marked the end of Congress dominance and
beginning of coalition governments because after this, one or two
parties never got most of the votes or seats. No single party secured a
clear majority of seats in any Lok Sabha elections. This initiated an era
of coalition government at the Center in which regional parties played
a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.