Skip to content 
Coalition Government
Meaning of Coalition Government
The term “coalition” is derived from the Latin word coalitio, which means “to grow together.” In a political context, a coalition refers to an alliance formed by distinct political parties to govern together. Coalition politics arises when no single party is able to secure a majority of seats in a legislative body, prompting multiple parties to join forces to achieve a governing majority.
Coalition politics can be defined as follows:
- When several political parties collaborate to form a government based on a commonly agreed-upon program or agenda, it is termed as coalition politics or coalition government.
- Coalitions are often formed in multi-party systems, enabling smaller parties to join hands for governance while maintaining their distinct identities and policies.
Features of Coalition Government
The features and implications of coalition politics are summarized below:
1. Formation for Rewards:
- Coalitions are typically formed with the expectation of some form of reward, which can be material or psychological, benefiting the parties involved.
2. Existence of Multiple Partners:
- A coalition inherently involves at least two political parties collaborating to form a government.
3. Temporary Conjunction of Interests:
- The coalition operates on a temporary alignment of specific interests rather than long-term shared ideology.
4. Dynamic Nature:
- Coalition politics is not static; it is characterized by changing alliances as parties may dissolve existing coalitions and form new partnerships based on shifting circumstances.
5. Compromise is Key:
- Compromise is central to coalition politics. Rigid ideological positions are often set aside to maintain unity and operational effectiveness.
6. Minimum Programme Basis:
- A coalition government generally functions on the basis of a minimum common program, which may not be ideal for all partners but allows for governance.
7. Pragmatism Over Ideology:
- Coalition politics emphasizes practical considerations over strict ideological adherence. Political adjustments might necessitate setting aside principles to achieve coalition goals.
8. Power Sharing Objective:
- The fundamental objective of forming a coalition is to gain access to political power and governance.
9. Pre-Poll vs. Post-Election Coalitions:
- Coalitions can form either prior to elections (pre-poll) or after the elections (post-election). Pre-poll coalitions are advantageous as they provide a unified platform to attract voters, while post-election coalitions aim to share power among constituencies and manage governance.
The concept and practice of coalition government are essential in the context of multi-party systems, allowing for a more inclusive representation in governance. By understanding the dynamics of coalition politics, one can better appreciate the complexities involved in forming governments within diverse political landscapes, such as that of India.
Formation of Coalition Governments in India
The political landscape of India has shifted significantly since the 1970s, particularly regarding the formation of coalition governments at the national level. Although the Congress party secured a majority and formed governments during the first four Lok Sabha elections (1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967), the dynamics changed markedly following their loss in the 1977 elections. Below is a summary of key coalition governments formed during various periods since then:
Table of Coalition Governments at the Centre
Period | Coalition | Prime Minister | Partners |
1977–1979 | Janata Party | Morarji Desai (Congress (O)) | Congress (O), Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Bharatiya Lok Dal, Socialist Party, Congress for Democracy, Chandra Shekhar Group, and others. |
1979–1980 | Janata Party (Secular) | Charan Singh (Janata (S)) | Janata (S) and Congress (U). Congress (I) supported from outside. |
1989–1990 | National Front | V.P. Singh (Janata Dal) | Janata Dal, TDP, DMK, AGP, Congress (Socialist); BJP and Left parties supported from outside. |
1990–1991 | Janata Dal (Socialist) | Chandra Shekhar (Janata Dal (S) or Samajwadi Janata Party) | Janata Dal (S) and Janata Party; Congress (I) supported from outside. |
1996–1997 | United Front | H.D. Deve Gowda (Janata Dal) | Janata Dal, CPI, Congress (T), DMK, TDP, TMC, AGP, SP, and others. Congress and CPM supported from outside. |
1997–1998 | United Front | I.K. Gujral (Janata Dal) | Janata Dal, CPI, TMC, SP, DMK, AGP, TDP, and others. Congress supported from outside. |
1998–1999 | BJP-led Coalition | A.B. Vajpayee (BJP) | BJP, AIADMK, BJD, Shiv Sena, Lok Shakti, Arunachal Congress, Samata, Akali Dal, PMK, TRC, and others. TDP and Trinamool Congress supported from outside. |
1999–2004 | National Democratic Alliance (NDA) | A.B. Vajpayee (BJP) | BJP, JD (U), Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, BJD, LJP, DMK, PMK, INLD, MDMK, National Conference, Akali Dal, RLD, AGP, and others. |
2004–2009 | United Progressive Alliance (UPA) | Manmohan Singh (Congress) | Congress, NCP, DMK, RJD, LJP, PMK, and others. CPI and CPM supported from outside. |
2009–2014 | United Progressive Alliance-II (UPA-II) | Manmohan Singh (Congress) | Congress, NCP, DMK, Trinamool Congress, National Conference, and others. |
2014–2019 | National Democratic Alliance (NDA) | Narendra Modi (BJP) | BJP, LJP, TDP, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, Apna Dal (S), and others. TDP left NDA in 2018. |
2019-Present | National Democratic Alliance (NDA) | Narendra Modi (BJP) | BJP, Akali Dal, LJP, Shiv Sena, and others. Shiv Sena left NDA in November 2019. |
Analysis of Coalition Governments
- Shifting Dynamics: The formation of coalition governments became necessary due to the fragmentation of the political landscape, especially post-1977, which highlighted the inability of single parties to secure an outright majority.
- Diversity of Alliances: The coalition arrangements have varied significantly in structure and composition, with regional parties often playing a crucial role in government formation at the Centre. This has led to a mix of interests and ideologies coalescing to form governing bodies.
- Challenges of Governance: Coalition governments have faced challenges such as policy compromises, differing agendas among allies, and difficulties in achieving coherent governance due to the diverse nature of the coalition partners.
The transition from predominantly single-party governments to coalition governments reflects the evolving nature of Indian democracy
Merits and Demerits of Coalition Government
Coalition governments have become a defining feature of the Indian political landscape, especially since the late 1970s. They come with various advantages and disadvantages that impact governance and political stability.
Merits of Coalition Government
1. Representation of Diverse Interests:
- Coalition governments accommodate various interests, acting as a platform for different groups to have their grievances heard and expectations met.
2. Reflects Diversity in Society:
- Given India’s vast diversity in cultures, languages, castes, religions, and ethnicities, coalition governments are more representative. They encapsulate a broader spectrum of public opinion, reflecting the electorate’s diverse preferences better than single-party governments.
3. Consensus-Based Politics:
- Coalition governments require cooperation among various political parties, leading to consensual decision-making. This enhances collaboration and mitigates unilateral decisions that may not have widespread support.
4. Strengthening of Federalism:
- Coalition governments are often more sensitive to regional demands and concerns, strengthening the federal fabric of the Indian political system. Regional parties within coalitions can advocate for local interests effectively.
5. Reduction of Despotic Rule:
- The presence of multiple parties in governance diminishes the chances of tyranny by reducing the dominance of any single party. This leads to more balanced decision-making and shared political responsibility.
Demerits of Coalition Government
1. Instability:
- Coalition governments can be unstable due to differing opinions among partners on key policies, often resulting in government collapse.
2. Diminished Leadership:
- The necessity for consensus can reduce the Prime Minister’s leadership effectiveness, as critical decisions require consultation with coalition partners. Critics have referred to such leaders as “Super Prime Ministers” or “Ultra Prime Ministers,” implying they have to share power extensively.
3. Super-Cabinet Dynamics:
- Coalition politics can give rise to a Steering or Coordination Committee that acts as a “Super-Cabinet,” undermining the official cabinet’s authority and functionality.
4. King-Maker Smaller Parties:
- Smaller coalition partners may sometimes act as ‘king-makers,’ asserting disproportionate influence relative to their actual strength in Parliament, which can lead to undue demands.
5. Regional Pressures on National Policy:
- Leaders of regional parties may impose regional considerations on national decision-making, pressing the central government to align with their agendas, often under the threat of withdrawing from the coalition.
6. Large Council of Ministers:
- Coalition governments tend to have an expansive Council of Ministers to adequately represent all coalition parties, which can lead to challenges in portfolio distribution and ministerial coordination. For instance, the B. Vajpayeeministry of 1999 was labeled a “Jumbo Ministry” due to its size.
7. Evasion of Responsibility:
- Coalition members might evade accountability for administrative failings, often engaging in blame-shifting and failing to uphold the principles of collective and individual responsibility.
| Merits of Coalition Government | Demerits of Coalition Government |
1. Representation of Diverse Interests: | 1. Instability: |
Coalition governments accommodate various interests, acting as a platform for different groups to have their grievances heard and expectations met. | Coalition governments can be unstable due to differing opinions among partners on key policies, often resulting in government collapse. |
2. Reflects Diversity in Society: | 2. Diminished Leadership: |
Given India’s vast diversity in cultures, languages, castes, religions, and ethnicities, coalition governments are more representative. They encapsulate a broader spectrum of public opinion, reflecting the electorate’s diverse preferences better than single-party governments. | The necessity for consensus can reduce the Prime Minister’s leadership effectiveness, as critical decisions require consultation with coalition partners. Critics have referred to such leaders as “Super Prime Ministers” or “Ultra Prime Ministers,” implying they have to share power extensively. |
3. Consensus-Based Politics: | 3. Super-Cabinet Dynamics: |
Coalition governments require cooperation among various political parties, leading to consensual decision-making. This enhances collaboration and mitigates unilateral decisions that may not have widespread support. | Coalition politics can give rise to a Steering or Coordination Committee that acts as a “Super-Cabinet,” undermining the official cabinet’s authority and functionality. |
4. Strengthening of Federalism: | 4. King-Maker Smaller Parties: |
Coalition governments are often more sensitive to regional demands and concerns, strengthening the federal fabric of the Indian political system. Regional parties within coalitions can advocate for local interests effectively. | Smaller coalition partners may sometimes act as ‘king-makers,’ asserting disproportionate influence relative to their actual strength in Parliament, which can lead to undue demands. |
5. Reduction of Despotic Rule: | 5. Regional Pressures on National Policy: |
The presence of multiple parties in governance diminishes the chances of tyranny by reducing the dominance of any single party. This leads to more balanced decision-making and shared political responsibility. | Leaders of regional parties may impose regional considerations on national decision-making, pressing the central government to align with their agendas, often under the threat of withdrawing from the coalition. |
6. Large Council of Ministers: | |
Coalition governments tend to have an expansive Council of Ministers to adequately represent all coalition parties, which can lead to challenges in portfolio distribution and ministerial coordination. For instance, the A.B. Vajpayee ministry of 1999 was labeled a “Jumbo Ministry” due to its size. | |
7. Evasion of Responsibility: | |
Coalition members might evade accountability for administrative failings, often engaging in blame-shifting and failing to uphold the principles of collective and individual responsibility. |
Coalition governments bring both opportunities for inclusivity and challenges related to stability and accountability. While they enhance democratic representation by accommodating diverse interests, the complexities of coalition dynamics can lead to governance issues. Understanding these merits and demerits is crucial for analyzing the effectiveness of coalition governance in the Indian context.
