Beginning in the late 1980s, or more specifically, starting in the 1990s, the party structures at the state and national levels began to split. What characteristics do these disjointed systems have?
The party systems at both levels – national and state moved towards a fragmentation from the late 1980s or, more particularly, from the 1990s. What are the features of these fragmentary systems?
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The fragmentation of party systems in India, both at the national and state levels, from the late 1980s and particularly the 1990s, marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Several features characterize these fragmentary systems:
Multiplicity of Political Parties: One of the most prominent features of fragmentary party systems is the proliferation of political parties. Rather than being dominated by one or two major parties, the political arena becomes crowded with numerous regional, ideological, and identity-based parties vying for electoral support. This multiplicity of parties reflects the diversification of political interests and the emergence of new political actors representing various social groups and regional aspirations.
Regionalization of Politics: Fragmentary party systems often exhibit a strong regionalization of politics, with parties focusing on specific states or regions rather than pursuing a pan-Indian agenda. Regional parties gain prominence by articulating local grievances, championing regional autonomy, and mobilizing support around issues relevant to their respective states. This regionalization leads to a decentralization of political power and a weakening of centralized party structures.
Coalition Politics: With the rise of regional and smaller parties, coalition politics becomes a prevalent feature of fragmentary party systems. National-level governments often rely on alliances and coalitions with regional parties to form stable governments, as no single party commands a majority on its own. This necessitates the formation of coalition governments, resulting in a fragmented and heterogeneous political landscape characterized by shifting alliances and power-sharing arrangements.
Ideological Fluidity: Fragmentary party systems are characterized by ideological fluidity, with parties often adopting pragmatic approaches to policy-making rather than adhering strictly to ideological principles. As parties compete for electoral support across diverse constituencies, they may prioritize pragmatic considerations over ideological purity, leading to ideological convergence and compromise in governance.
Personalization of Politics: Fragmentary party systems often witness the personalization of politics, with charismatic leaders playing a dominant role in shaping party identities and electoral outcomes. Personalities often overshadow party ideologies, and electoral campaigns focus on the charisma, leadership qualities, and populist appeal of individual leaders rather than party platforms or policies. This trend reinforces a cult of personality in politics and undermines institutional party structures.
Electoral Volatility: Fragmentary party systems are characterized by electoral volatility, with voters exhibiting greater unpredictability and willingness to switch allegiances between parties from one election to the next. This volatility reflects changing socio-economic dynamics, shifting voter preferences, and the presence of multiple political alternatives. It also poses challenges for parties in building enduring electoral bases and maintaining stability in the party system.
Coalition Governments: The prevalence of coalition governments in fragmentary party systems necessitates the formation of alliances and compromises among diverse political parties. Coalition governments often face challenges in policy formulation and implementation due to competing interests and divergent agendas within the coalition. As a result, governance may be characterized by instability, gridlock, and compromises that undermine effective decision-making.
In conclusion, the fragmentation of party systems in India from the late 1980s and particularly the 1990s has led to the emergence of multiplicity, regionalization, coalition politics, ideological fluidity, personalization, electoral volatility, and coalition governments. These features reflect the evolving dynamics of Indian politics in response to changing socio-economic, cultural, and demographic trends. While fragmentary party systems offer opportunities for diverse representation and political participation, they also pose challenges for governance, stability, and policy coherence in a pluralistic democracy like India.