Rajni Kothari's terms "Party of Consensus" and "Parties of Pressure" explain the unique nature of Indian politics, particularly during the dominance of the Indian National Congress post-independence.
The "Party of Consensus" refers to the Congress, which acted as a broad-based, inclusive organization capable of representing diverse interests across the social, regional, and ideological spectrum. Kothari viewed the Congress not merely as a political party but as a platform for negotiation, absorbing various interests and building consensus among different social groups. This allowed the Congress to maintain political hegemony while fostering democratic processes.
In contrast, "Parties of Pressure" represented the smaller, opposition parties that were unable to directly challenge the Congress’s dominance but exerted pressure on it to address specific issues or represent sectional interests. These parties often functioned as critics or challengers from the periphery, influencing policy-making and acting as forces of accountability, but without threatening the overall dominance of the Congress.
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Pranab Bardhan's concept of "Fragmentation in the Coalition" addresses the complexities and challenges of coalition politics in India. He argues that the emergence of multiple political parties, particularly in a diverse society, leads to fragmented coalitions that can be unstable and ineffective. This fragmentation arises from varying regional, caste, and ideological interests, complicating governance and decision-making processes. Bardhan suggests that while coalitions can enhance representation, they often struggle to formulate coherent policies due to competing agendas. This dynamic can result in political instability and challenges in implementing reforms, reflecting the intricate interplay of interests in India's multi-party system.
Pranab Bardhan’s Insights
Pranab Bardhan, a prominent political economist, has extensively studied how political and economic fragmentation impacts governance and development, particularly in developing countries.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Bardhan highlights that coalition fragmentation often exacerbates institutional weaknesses, making it harder to implement redistributive policies or maintain macroeconomic stability. He points out that fragmented politics often lead to short-term populism at the expense of long-term growth strategies.
- Rent-Seeking Behavior: Bardhan’s work shows that fragmented coalitions can lead to "excessive rent-seeking," where coalition partners prioritize narrow gains, diluting efforts toward equitable economic development. For example, coalition politics in India have often led to state resources being diverted toward patronage networks instead of productive public investments.
- Role of Decentralization: In his book The Political Economy of Development in India, Bardhan discusses how decentralization—often viewed as a solution to governance challenges—can be double-edged in fragmented political systems. While it empowers local governments, it also increases the potential for local elites to capture power.
- Public Goods Provision: Fragmentation impacts the provision of public goods. Bardhan argues that collective action problems worsen when coalitions cannot align on broader developmental goals, leading to under-provision of essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
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The Second Dominant Party System concept, articulated by political scientists Subrata Mitra and Jivanta Schottli, analyzes the political landscape in India after the decline of the Indian National Congress's dominance. This system describes a scenario where a second major party emerges to challenge the established party, creating a more competitive political environment.
Mitra and Schottli argue that this transition marked a shift from a single-party dominance to a system characterized by a dominant party alongside significant opposition. They emphasize the role of regional and caste-based parties, which have gained prominence and influence in national politics, contributing to a multiparty landscape. This evolution reflects changing societal dynamics, regional aspirations, and the increasing demand for representation among diverse groups.
The Second Dominant Party System thus captures the complexities of contemporary Indian politics, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and power struggles among various political entities in a vibrant democracy.
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Kanchan Chandra's work on ethnic parties explores the significance and impact of ethnicity in political mobilization and party formation, particularly in multi-ethnic societies like India. She argues that ethnic parties arise when specific groups seek political representation to address their unique concerns and interests. Chandra examines how these parties function, their strategies for mobilizing support, and their influence on electoral outcomes. She highlights that while ethnic parties can enhance political participation and representation, they also pose challenges to national integration and can lead to increased polarization. Her analysis contributes to understanding the interplay between ethnicity and democracy in contemporary politics.
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Dominant Interest
The "Three Proprietary Classes" in India:
- Bardhan identifies three dominant classes in post-independence India:
- Landlords in rural areas: Opposed to land redistribution and tenancy reforms.
- Industrial capitalists: Focused on securing subsidies and state protection.
- Bureaucratic and political elite: Engaged in rent-seeking behavior, benefiting from the inefficiencies of the state.
- The interplay among these groups has led to an equilibrium where progressive reforms are slow or blocked altogether.
