Coalition: A Boon or Distraction?

Many countries with a multi-party political system often settle for the complex structure of 'coalition'. Simply defined, coalition is the agreed upon cooperation between different political parties to achieve a common political agenda or goal, when no one party has sufficient seats for a majority to carry them out on their own. Witnessing the frequent chaos in the parliament caused by clashing voices and threats from the opposition, be it in an already unorderly India or the UK (confounded by its embarrassing Brexit managment),  I have long cheered for majority government in Indian general elections, mainly due to its relatively better efficiency, clearer policy roadmap and its ability to follow through on its vision without making concessions to a rival party, to avoid an alliance collapse.

But thinking evolves with experience, and witnessing past and current coalition drama on a global scale, I have come to appreciate the pros of such political blocs. In a country like India, where the mainstream youth demands robust economic and job growth, fundamental amenities like healthcare and education and energy access, and an inclusive (read: secular) government, the current voting options are not encouraging. The citizens are polarized over the BJP's progress: While efforts like the bold GST reform, improved electricity access and strengthened foreign relations can be lauded, the chaotic Demonetization saga, spiking communal incidents and polarizing voices from the core BJP leadership, ever-increasing attacks on RBI's autonomy and the new controversial GDP measurement technique have left an underwhelming impression. It's been disheartening to see radical and disillusioned nationalists figures, from BJP and institutions directly/indirectly supported by them such as VHP, Bajrang Dal, and Bhartiya Gau Rakshak Dal, indulging in open acts of provocation, spreading misinformation and leading threats towards journalists, people of Non-Hindu faith or anyone who questions their authority (or sanity). As a citizen taking utmost pride in our constitution built upon the idea of secularism,  I am certain that these personalities need to be chastised in a unanimous manner. The central leadership needs to take up this task, and make it clear that the constitutional principles in India shall never be violated, especially by disillusioned 'sevaks' who find power in oppression of others.

In times like these, where this a clear vacuum of competent leadership on a national stage, it would be interesting to have an empowered opposition that can work towards preserving the social fabric, standing up for minority rights, and ensure that economic progress does not overshadow social development for all. A stern advocate for a market-driven economy, I am positive that the BJP leadership can lead our transition to a soon-to-be global powerhouse, but this cannot come at the cost of a gradually spreading regressive ideology in the hinterland. As 2019 elections approach, I look forward to a healthy contest, as I hope for a healthier society going forward.

-Akhil

Comments

  1. RohitFebruary 24, 2019 at 9:41 AM

    well articulated. The worrying part is that the 'mahagathbandhan' has no unifying agenda except anti-Modi sentiment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. plaskiFebruary 24, 2019 at 12:38 PM

    I understand there are some debates about coalition and its constraints, one can look at Communist party's impasse against Indo-US civil nuclear deal for example. Absolute majority to one party on the other hand also gives overwhelming blinding power that flows out of control at times. Talk about emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in the 70's. But one issue that is really disturbing is campaign expenditure and contributions to it. Laws have been weakened to hide source of funding and cap on spending is hardly been followed by most candidates.When politicians spend so much on campaigning, it casts doubts on where their interests lie after winning.

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