Question
When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?
Solution
It began in 1989 because after the emergence of several parties in such a way that one or two parties did not get most of the seats or votes. This also meant that no single party secured a clear majority of the seats in the Lok Sabha election held since 1989. This development initiated an era of coalition governments at the centre, in which regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.
