Indian politics should move toward bi-party system
Indian politics should move toward bi-party system
Introduction
In a typical bi-part system, there are only two major political parties in a country’s political set up. The ruling party will be the majority party, and the opposition party will be the minority party. An example for the bi-party system is the United States, where they have the Republicans and the Democrats.
Benefits of the bi-party system
In a two party system, there is no confusion about who will form the government. The party that wins the majority of votes will rule for that cycle. This helps in political and economic stability. However, in a multi-party system, there is always uncertainty. If the party with the majority votes is unable to win the required number of seats to form the government, it has to join hands with one of the smaller parties in a coalition. Coalition has many disadvantages. One major issue will be if the coalition does not work out. If both parties have a disagreement, and the minor party walks out of the coalition, the government will be in trouble again. Similarly, the minority party can push its ideals during policy making. These policies may not be in the best interest of the citizens.
While some would feel that it is better to have more options, one way of looking at things is to simplify the choices, thus making it easier for the voter. Having only two parties that would come into power, it also puts more pressure on the two to perform better, thereby leading way to stability. Each party has to make sure they present a systematic agenda to the voters to win their confidence.
Existing political scene in India
India has a multi-party system at present. Even though there are two major parties that dominate the political sphere, there are several small and big parties that compete in elections. Each state and region has its own set of political parties and ideologies. During the elections (we are just about to enter that arena); the two main parties at the center have to depend on the favors of the regional parties, in order to create the government. Several times in the past we have witnessed coalitions breaking up, thereby resulting in a hung parliament. This has many ill effects on the economy and progress of the country.
Conclusion
There are benefits and disadvantages to a two party system. However, as we have burnt our fingers in the multi-party system, and the state of the economy is not looking good, now would be a time to experiment with a different system, and see if it bodes well for India.
Discussion
- RE: Indian politics should move toward bi-party system -Janhvi Johorey (03/26/14)
- Introduction
India has opted to be democratic sovereign republic in 1950.The Indian National Congress ,which fought for independence was the only national political party led by Pandit Jawhar Lal Nehru. The masses loved him and he was the unquestioned heir to Gandhiji.He had the vision of modern India and shaped the policies accordingly.
There were other political parties at that time as well. For all practical purpose Congress was the only organised political party. It ruled the country till 1960s in states and centre as well.The electons of 1967 threw a host of political parties into power in states and the majority of Congress was reduced at the Centre as well.Those were the days of unstble political system as various coalitions formed on different idealogies failed miserably to provide a strong viable alternative to Congress.
View point
• This question has been raised from time immemorial and no clear cut answer can be given.A bi-party system is based politics of national consenus and a broad agreement between various stake holders on national issues,economic development and foreign policy. In the UK, the political parties have this broad national consensus. As against that, there is no broad consenus in politcal patries in India on wider national issues
• The parties are formed on local issues and often due to differences with the leader.In Andhra Pradesh, so many combination have emerged due to differences among politicans on the issue of Telangana.Similarly Kejriwal has formed a party on local issues of Delhi, and he is now aiming to emere on the national level by raising the issue of corruption.
• A poltical party has to have an idelogy and organisation.It cannot simply be created on issues though it may address the issues on various levels. Established political parties have become unpopuar because they have failed to address the issue of corrouption effectively in the past. Many parties have failed to enthuse the young voters because of their inadequcy in addressing the issue of governence and development.
• Regional politics has different elements through which it operates compared to national politics. The divide between the two is very strong. Any attempt to create bi-party system in India will be met by stiff opposition by the regional parties. This can lead to much chaos in the political milieu.
• A bi-party system can only emerge if there is understanding between the corporate sector and the political leaders. Economic issues are a central consideration in any political move. Parties derive their funding from donations given by the companies. A bi-party system can only be created if all sections of the business world are in complete agreement about this.
Conclusion
A bi-party system cannot be created by law.It has to evolve over a period of time .The trend in Inda seems otherwise. Politics in India has become reduced to a numbers game. India is a Asian giant with one of the largest populations in the world. Unfortunately, successive governments at regional and central level have not been able to spur economic growth. It is important to be able to solve the key economic issues if national progress has to be attained. A bi-party system can be created if the government is in agreement with its regional partners regarding this. Attaining this state has become a distant dream given the predominance of local concerns overriding national issues. The administration and media are also divided into loyalist camps. All stakeholders of civil society must agree before a bi-party system can be formed in India.
