Coalition Politics in India

Coalition governments have become intrinsic to the Indian political landscape, given the diverse social context of the nation.

This short introduction analyses the growth and evolution of coalition politics in India. It argues that contrary to popular explanations, coalitions have always been integral to Indian politics. Beginning with a historical study, it discusses how the 1967 state assembly elections radically altered India’s political equations, since regional parties emerged as viable alternatives to single-party rule. The book examines successful experiments of coalition governments in India since 1999, with the coming to power of the BJP-led NDA. It reinforces the argument that rather than being seen as inherently unstable, coalition formation is an appropriate mechanism in a socio-culturally diverse country like India.