Explain the emergence of coalition governments in India.

(i) In 1967 elections, the opposition parties realised that the division of their votes kept the Congress in power. This led to formation of anti-Congress fronts and rise of ‘non-Congressism’ in Indian politics. This brought the opposition together. As a result of it, 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 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. Janata Party was formed and it came to power in 1977. Janata Party could not remain united. It lacked direction, leadership and a common programme. Congress once again won elections held in 1980 and 1984.The opposition parties too started to rely on Non-Congressism.

(iv) In 1989 elections, the Congress was the largest party but it was in the opposition. The National Front government, an alliance of Janata Dal and some regional parties, was formed. 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 Centre in which regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.