In the context of the UPSC Mains examination, understanding the evolution of India’s party system is crucial. Since independence, India has witnessed several types of party systems, each marked by distinct political dynamics. Here’s a detailed examination with recent examples:

1. One-Party Dominance System

Description: In the early decades post-independence, India experienced a one-party dominance system, predominantly led by the Indian National Congress (INC). During this period, the INC had a commanding presence across most states, establishing a near-hegemony in Indian politics.

Recent Example:

• 1950s-1960s: The Indian National Congress, under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and later Lal Bahadur Shastri, dominated Indian politics with significant electoral victories. The party’s dominance was so pronounced that it often faced minimal opposition, and state governments were predominantly Congress-led.

2. Multi-Party System with Dominance of Regional Parties

Description: From the 1970s onwards, India transitioned into a multi-party system. This period saw the rise of regional parties gaining significant influence, thereby reducing the dominance of the national parties. The political landscape became more diverse, with regional parties playing pivotal roles in various states.

Recent Example:

• 1980s-1990s: The emergence of parties like the Janata Dal, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) signaled the beginning of a multi-party system. The rise of regional leaders like M. Karunanidhi and N.T. Rama Rao highlighted the growing influence of regional parties.

3. Coalition Politics and Fragmentation

Description: From the early 1990s to the present, India has witnessed a significant shift towards coalition politics. This period is characterized by the fragmentation of the political landscape into various regional and national parties that often need to come together to form coalition governments.

Recent Example:

• 1990s-Present: The 1990s saw the formation of coalition governments at the Centre, starting with the V.P. Singh government (1989-1990) and continuing with successive coalitions such as the United Front government (1996-1998) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments. The 2014 and 2019 general elections saw the BJP forming a majority government, but coalition politics remains significant at the state level.

4. Emergence of a Bipartisan System

Description: In recent years, there has been a trend towards a more bipolar system at the national level, where two major parties, primarily the BJP and the Congress, dominate the political arena, though coalition politics still plays a crucial role.

Recent Example:

• 2014 and 2019 General Elections: The BJP under Narendra Modi achieved significant victories, indicating a trend towards a more bipolar system where the BJP and Congress are the primary contenders, though regional parties still hold substantial influence in various states.

In summary, India’s party system has evolved from a one-party dominance model to a complex multi-party system characterized by coalition politics and regional party influence. Each phase reflects changing political dynamics and the growing diversity of India’s political landscape.