Question

Describe any two positive and any two negative consequences of alliance politics in India.

Hint:

Give two gains (regional parties share power, consensus building) and two losses (instability, bargaining by partners).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand alliance politics:
After 1989 no single party won a clear majority in most Lok Sabha elections, so parties formed alliances and coalition governments.
The question asks for two positive and two negative consequences, so four headed points are needed.

Step 2: Positive 1: Share for regional parties:
Regional and small parties got a place in the national government.
This brought the many regions and social groups of the country closer to the centre and reflected the diversity of India.

Step 3: Positive 2: Power sharing and consensus:
No one party could ignore the others. So decisions came after talks and compromise.
This reduced the chance of one party ruling alone and made governments more careful and accountable.

Step 4: Negative 1: Unstable governments:
A coalition depends on the support of many partners. When one partner withdraws, the government may fall.
Several governments in the 1990s lasted only a short time, which caused mid-term elections.

Step 5: Negative 2: Bargaining and weak policy making:
Small partners often demand ministries or favours for their own region, and the main party must give in.
Policy decisions slow down, and principles give way to political bargaining.

Final Answer:
Alliance politics gave regional parties a voice and encouraged power sharing (positive), but it caused unstable governments and bargaining that weakened policy making (negative).