Answer the following questions in brief.

What changes have taken place in the nature of political parties in India?

Three major phases that have marked the changing nature of political parties in India are:

1. Single dominant party system

After independence, the Congress was the single most power political party in the country. It had government both the centre and most regional states for a long time.

2. Challenge to the Single dominant party system

In 1977, in the spirit of democracy, the non-Congress parties come together to challenge the single party dominance. Congress lost elections at the centre owing to the anti-decentralisation policies of Indira Gandhi followed during the emergency years (1975-77) and various regional parties took this opportunity to mark their foothold in regional politics.

3. The Coalition Government

After 1989 General Elections, no single party could achieve a defining major to form the government at centre. Hence, different parties came together to form coalition governments. Contrary to popular believes, the coalition system of government has been a successful practice in India. Owing the multiple stakeholders in the government, the decision making process has been gradual but it is important to note that various regional concerns have found a voice at national stage, thus strengthening the democracy.