The evolution of political parties and party systems in the world’s largest, most complex and volatile democracy reached a crucial stage at the turn of the century: The three general elections held in quick succession at the end of the nineties threw up three major trends; the decline of the Congress Party as the dominant pan-national party; the emergence of a ‘federalised’ party structure and coalition politics; and the apparent demise of the ‘Third Front as a force in national politics. This topical collection of original essays by eminent scholars drawn from diverse disciplines examines these wide-ranging changes in political parties- their leadership, ideological profile, support base and programmatic content- as well as in the texture of the party system in the country. In understanding these complex processes, this volume provides a comparative framework by bringing in the experiences of Germany and the European Union, which are also undergoing political transformation. Overall, this volume provides an incisive and comprehensive analysis of the far-reaching changes in both party systems and electoral behavior that have occurred at the end of the twentieth century.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ajay K. Mehra
Ajay K. Mehra is Honorary Director of the Centre for Public Affairs, New Delhi. He currently teaches Indian politics at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, and is a regular contributor to the Indian media on issues of public affairs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR D D Khanna
Prof. D.D. Khanna, former Professor and Head, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Allahabad is currently Director, Society for Peace, Security and Development studies, Allahabad. He has authored and edited several books and contributed to journals on security and development problems related to South Asian Countries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gert W Kueck
Prof. Gert W. Kueck is the Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and independent non profit-making German association, to India since 1993. Being a student of developmental economics and political science, he achieved some knowledge in the field of oriental studies too. After he graduated with a PhD in economics, he stated an impressive academic career teaching international trade and economic relations with special reference to Afro-Asian and Latin American countries. Several times and for many years, he was able to enrich his academic experience by various practical activities, mainly as an advisor to big companies and in the framework of the United Nations system. He has participated actively in a great number of important conferences at the multinational level and has authored a number of books as well as contributed to scientific journals.
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