Reasons for growth of Multi-party System in India

Introduction

India, as the world’s largest democracy, operates under a vibrant and dynamic multi-party system that reflects its diverse social, cultural, and political landscape. Unlike a two-party system, India’s political framework accommodates numerous national and regional parties, each representing distinct ideologies, interests, and communities. The system is rooted in the country’s constitutional commitment to free and fair elections, managed by the Election Commission of India. Major national parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dominate the political scene, while regional parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Samajwadi Party (SP) wield significant influence in their respective states. This multiplicity fosters coalition governments, political inclusivity, and a competitive democratic process, though it also poses challenges like fragmentation and governance complexities.

Reasons for the Growth of multi party system

The growth of the multi-party system in India is a natural outcome of the country’s vast diversity, historical evolution, and democratic framework. Several key factors have contributed to this development, each reinforcing the emergence and sustenance of multiple political parties. Below, I’ll elaborate on these reasons to provide a comprehensive understanding.

1. Social and Cultural Diversity:
   India is a mosaic of languages, religions, castes, ethnicities, and regional identities. With over 1.4 billion people speaking hundreds of languages and dialects, and adhering to varied customs, a single party or ideology cannot fully represent the entire population. This diversity has given rise to parties that cater to specific groups or regions. For instance, parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu emerged to champion Tamil identity and linguistic pride, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab focuses on Sikh interests. The inability of national parties to address every local or community-specific concern has fueled the proliferation of regional and identity-based parties.
2. Federal Structure and Regional Aspirations:
   India’s federal system, with its division of powers between the central government and states, has encouraged the growth of regional parties. States often have unique economic, political, and cultural priorities that may not align with the agendas of national parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) or Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Regional parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh have gained prominence by addressing state-specific issues like development, employment, and local governance. The federal structure empowers these parties to compete effectively in state elections, contributing to the multi-party landscape.
3. Historical Evolution of Political Movements:
   The multi-party system has roots in India’s freedom struggle and post-independence politics. During the independence movement, various ideological factions emerged, ranging from the socialist-leaning groups within the Congress to the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which later influenced the BJP. After 1947, disillusionment with the Congress’s dominance led to the formation of breakaway parties like the Socialist Party and the Swatantra Party. Over time, movements for linguistic reorganization (e.g., the creation of states like Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers) and caste-based empowerment (e.g., the Bahujan Samaj Party for Dalits) further diversified the political spectrum, laying the foundation for multiple parties.
4. Electoral System and Democratic Freedom:
   India’s first-past-the-post electoral system, combined with universal adult suffrage, allows even smaller parties to win seats and gain influence, especially at the state level. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association and expression, enabling individuals and groups to form political parties easily. Unlike authoritarian regimes that suppress opposition, India’s democratic ethos encourages political competition. This has led to the registration of over 2,000 parties with the Election Commission, though only a fraction are active. The low barrier to entry ensures that new parties can emerge to represent emerging issues or discontent with established ones.
5. Decline of Single-Party Dominance:
   For the first few decades after independence, the Congress Party dominated Indian politics, often referred to as the “Congress System.” However, by the late 1960s and 1970s, its monopoly weakened due to internal splits, governance failures, and the Emergency (1975–77), which eroded public trust. This opened the door for opposition parties like the Janata Party, and later the BJP, to rise. Simultaneously, regional leaders who broke away from Congress, such as N.T. Rama Rao (founder of TDP) and Mamata Banerjee (founder of TMC), established their own parties to challenge its hegemony. The decline of single-party dominance created a vacuum that multiple parties filled, reflecting a shift toward coalition politics.
6. Caste and Class Dynamics:
   Caste remains a significant factor in Indian politics, influencing voting patterns and party formation. Parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) emerged to represent backward castes and marginalized groups in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. Similarly, economic disparities and class interests have led to the rise of parties advocating for farmers, workers, or the urban middle class. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for example, gained traction by focusing on anti-corruption and governance issues appealing to the common citizen. These caste and class-based mobilizations have diversified the party system beyond broad ideological lines.
7. Coalition Politics and Pragmatism:
   Since the 1990s, the era of coalition governments at the national level has entrenched the multi-party system. No single party has consistently secured a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, necessitating alliances between national and regional parties. This has given smaller parties disproportionate influence, as their support becomes crucial for forming governments. For instance, parties like the Janata Dal (United) or the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have played kingmaker roles in coalition arrangements. The need for such alliances has incentivized the growth and survival of multiple parties, as they leverage their regional strength for national relevance.

Stastical Data

As of the latest available data, India’s multi-party system is characterized by a mix of national and regional (state) political parties, recognized and classified by the Election Commission of India (ECI) based on their electoral performance. Here’s a statistical breakdown based on the most recent updates:

National Parties

• Number of National Parties: As of May 2023, there are 6 national parties in India. This number reflects changes made by the ECI in April 2023, when it revoked the national party status of three former national parties—Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Communist Party of India (CPI)—and recognized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a national party. Prior to this, there were 8 national parties.
• Current National Parties:
  1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  2. Indian National Congress (INC)
  3. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
  4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
  5. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
  6. National People’s Party (NPP)
• Criteria for National Party Status: A party is recognized as a national party if it meets one of these conditions:
  • Secures at least 6% of valid votes in four or more states in a general election to the Lok Sabha or state legislative assembly, and wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.
  • Wins at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats as of 2014) from at least 3 different states.
  • Is recognized as a state party in at least 4 states.

Regional (State) Parties

• Number of State Parties: As of March 23, 2024, the ECI recognizes 58 state parties. This number adjusts periodically due to mergers, splits, or changes in electoral performance. For instance, two parties (Rashtriya Lok Samata Party and People’s Democratic Front) merged with others, and the Lok Janshakti Party’s status is under review due to a split.
• Examples of State Parties: Some prominent state parties include:
  • Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) – Tamil Nadu
  • All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) – West Bengal (lost national status in 2023)
  • Samajwadi Party (SP) – Uttar Pradesh
  • Shiv Sena – Maharashtra
  • Telugu Desam Party (TDP) – Andhra Pradesh
• Criteria for State Party Status: A party qualifies as a state party if it fulfills one of these conditions in a state:
  • Secures at least 6% of valid votes in a state legislative election and wins at least 2 assembly seats.
  • Secures at least 6% of valid votes in a Lok Sabha election from the state and wins at least 1 Lok Sabha seat.
  • Wins at least 3% of the total seats (or 3 seats, whichever is higher) in the state legislative assembly.
  • Wins 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 allotted to the state.
  • Secures at least 8% of total valid votes in a general election to the Lok Sabha or state assembly (added in 2011).

Additional Statistics

• Total Registered Parties: As of May 2024, there are 2,763 unrecognized registered political parties (RUPPs) in India, alongside the recognized national and state parties. This brings the total number of registered parties to over 2,800. The number of RUPPs has grown significantly, from 694 in 2001 to 2,999 in May 2022, a 332% increase, though some have been delisted for inactivity or financial irregularities.
• Historical Context: The number of national and state parties fluctuates based on election results. For example, in February 2020, there were 8 national parties and 53 state parties, but by 2023, the figures adjusted to 6 and 56 (later 58 by 2024).

Observations

• National parties represent a small fraction of the total political entities, with only 6 out of over 2,800 registered parties holding this status as of mid-2023.
• State parties, while more numerous (58), still account for a tiny percentage of the total, highlighting the dominance of unrecognized parties, many of which are small, localized, or inactive.
• The dynamic nature of party recognition means these numbers can shift after each major election cycle, with the ECI reviewing statuses every 10 years since 2016 (previously every 5 years).

This data underscores India’s fragmented yet inclusive political landscape, where both national and regional parties play critical roles in shaping governance, often through coalitions. Note that these figures are based on the latest ECI publications and may evolve with future elections or reviews.

conclusion

In conclusion, the growth of India’s multi-party system stands as a testament to the nation’s democratic vitality and its ability to accommodate a vast array of voices within a single political framework. Fueled by social diversity, regional aspirations, historical movements, and an open electoral process, this system has evolved from the Congress-dominated era to a vibrant tapestry of over 2,800 registered parties, including 6 national and 58 state parties as of 2024. While it ensures representation for marginalized groups and fosters political competition, it also brings challenges like coalition instability and policy fragmentation. Nevertheless, the multi-party system remains a cornerstone of India’s pluralistic democracy, reflecting the resilience of its people and their commitment to a governance model that mirrors the country’s complex identity. As India continues to grow, this system will likely adapt further, balancing inclusivity with the demands of effective administration.

Additional resources

Books

• Jaffrelot, Christophe. India’s Silent Revolution: The Rise of the Lower Castes in North India. Hurst & Company, 2003.
• Hasan, Zoya. Politics and Party Politics in India. Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Sridharan, Eswaran. Coalition Politics and Democratic Consolidation in Asia. Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Brass, Paul R. The Politics of India Since Independence. Cambridge University Press, 1994.
• Chhibber, Pradeep K., and Rahul Verma. Ideology and Identity: The Changing Party Systems of India. Oxford University Press, 2018.

Online References

• Election Commission of India. “List of Political Parties.” https://eci.gov.in/political-parties-in-india/
• PRS Legislative Research. “Political Parties in India.” https://prsindia.org/policy/vital-stats/political-parties-india
• Lok Sabha Secretariat. “Political Parties and Elections in India.” http://loksabha.nic.in/
• India Today. “National and State Parties: How They Are Recognised.” https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/national-and-state-parties-1591559-2019-08-23
• The Hindu. “Evolution of Political Parties in India.” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/evolution-of-political-parties-in-india/article37754345.ece