Oct 12, 2024
INDIA’S PARTY SYSTEM: EVOLUTION, FOURTH PARTY SYSTEM, AND CURRENT TRENDS
INDIA’S PARTY SYSTEM: EVOLUTION, FOURTH PARTY SYSTEM, AND CURRENT TRENDS
1. What Is a Party System?
A party system is basically the way different political parties in a country interact and compete with each other. It describes how many parties there are, how big they are, and how they work together or against each other to form governments and make policies. Some countries have a two-party system, where two major "teams" dominate, like in the US. Others have a multi-party system like in India.
The party system shapes how a country's politics works, who gets elected, and what kind of policies are made.
India’s party system has evolved significantly over time, transitioning from a dominant single-party era to a vibrant multi-party system.
2. What Kind of Party System Does India Have?
India has a multi-party system, allowing various national and regional parties to contest elections and form governments. Two major national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), have played leading roles in the national political arena, while numerous regional parties are influential at the state level.
3. How Has India’s Party System Evolved?
India’s party system has evolved in phases, often referred to as “party systems” based on the dominance or changes in political behavior and structure at different points in history.
• First Party System (1952-1967): This period was marked by the dominance of the Indian National Congress. The Congress Party, under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, won massive majorities in national and state elections. The party’s influence during this era was unchallenged, and it functioned almost as a single-party system.
• Second Party System (1967-1989): The Congress began to lose its dominance after the 1967 elections. Regional parties and opposition alliances grew stronger, especially in state assemblies. This period also saw the Emergency (1975-77) declared by Indira Gandhi, which further weakened Congress’ hold. Though Congress continued to win national elections, it no longer enjoyed unchallenged power.
• Third Party System (1989-2014): This period saw the rise of coalition politics. The Congress party lost its majority after 1989, leading to the formation of governments through coalitions of multiple parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as a strong national contender during this time. Both Congress and the BJP had to rely on alliances with regional parties to form governments, signaling the end of single-party dominance at the national level.
• Fourth Party System (2014-present): The current phase is often referred to as the Fourth Party System due to the resurgence of BJP dominance after 2014. While coalition politics still plays a role, the BJP’s majority in 2014 and 2019 signaled a significant shift. For the first time since 1989, a single party (the BJP) secured a majority in parliament, with reduced reliance on coalition partners. However, the continued influence of regional parties and coalition-building at the state level remains a key feature of this system.
4. Why Is It Called the “Fourth Party System”?
The term “Fourth Party System” refers to the period starting from 2014, when the BJP’s dominance altered the previous coalition-driven landscape. While coalition politics continues, this phase is marked by:
• The BJP’s dominant position at the national level.
• The gradual decline of the Congress as the central political force.
• The sustained importance of regional parties, which continue to hold sway in state politics and influence national coalitions.
The fourth party system also highlights the changing nature of electoral competition, with the BJP establishing itself as a clear frontrunner, while Congress and other opposition parties struggle to regain their past influence.
5. What Was the Role of the Congress Party in the Earlier Systems?
In the first party system, Congress was the central political force, enjoying overwhelming popular support. After India’s independence in 1947, the Congress Party led the nation-building process and framed most of the country’s major political, economic, and social policies. Its appeal cut across various segments of society, including rural and urban populations, making it the dominant political party.
During the second party system, although Congress continued to win elections, its dominance was increasingly challenged. Regional parties like the DMK and Akali Dal gained influence in states, and opposition parties like the Janata Party became more organized. The 1967 elections marked the first significant decline in Congress’s vote share, as several states voted for non-Congress governments.
In the third party system, coalition governments became the norm. Congress was no longer the sole ruling party, and regional parties played a crucial role in government formation. This period was also marked by the BJP’s rise as a national party, which challenged Congress at both the national and state levels.
6. How Does the Fourth Party System Differ from the Third?
In the third party system, coalition politics reigned supreme, with no party able to secure a full majority. Both BJP and Congress relied heavily on regional parties to form national governments. However, in the fourth party system, starting from 2014, the BJP managed to secure a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, reducing its dependence on coalition partners.
While regional parties still play a critical role, especially in state politics, the BJP’s dominance has reshaped the national political landscape. The NDA (National Democratic Alliance), led by the BJP, continues to be the central coalition, but the BJP’s reliance on partners has decreased compared to earlier years. At the same time, the Congress party’s ability to form viable coalitions and challenge the BJP’s dominance has diminished.
7. What Are the Key Characteristics of the Fourth Party System?
• BJP’s Dominance: The BJP has emerged as the dominant national party, consistently securing large vote shares and parliamentary seats. Its appeal stretches across diverse social and regional groups.
• Decline of Congress: Congress, once the dominant force in Indian politics, has struggled to regain its foothold. It remains a significant opposition party but has been unable to mount a serious challenge to the BJP.
• Regional Influence: Regional parties continue to play a significant role in state elections and influence national politics, but their ability to form strong coalitions at the national level has weakened.
• Electoral Competition: The Effective Number of Parties (ENP) has remained relatively high, indicating that multiple parties still contest elections, but the BJP’s consolidation of power has reduced fragmentation at the national level.
8. How Have Regional Parties Shaped the Current Party System?
Regional parties have become essential to India’s political fabric, representing local interests and concerns. While the BJP dominates national politics, regional parties remain powerful in many states, such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. These parties influence national coalitions and often determine the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), where the BJP lacks a majority.
9. What Role Does Voter Mobilization Play in the Fourth Party System?
Voter mobilization has significantly increased in recent elections. The 2019 and 2024 elections saw a notable increase in voter turnout, with almost equal participation from male and female voters. Additionally, the BJP has effectively mobilized new voter bases, such as women and youth, further consolidating its political strength.
10. What Does the Future Hold for India’s Party System?
While the BJP currently dominates, the future of India’s party system will depend on how regional parties evolve, how Congress and other opposition parties regroup, and whether coalition politics reasserts itself. As India’s political landscape continues to change, regional dynamics and voter preferences will remain key factors in shaping the party system.
Conclusion:
India’s fourth party system marks a significant shift from coalition-based politics to a more centralized system dominated by the BJP. However, regional parties and voter mobilization continue to play pivotal roles in shaping both national and state-level politics. The system’s evolution reflects India’s dynamic political landscape, which remains responsive to shifting alliances, electoral trends, and the demands of its diverse population.