Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

1. Lack of stability 

2. Defection tendency

When a public representative fights election taking election symbol of a particular party, and wins, and for his selfishness or by other reason joins another party, this is called defection.

NDA’s Position : 

16th Lok Sabha elections were held in 2014. In this election NDA got majority. In this alliance BJP and other political parties such as:Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Lokjan Shakti Party, Telegu Desam and such 13 parties are included. 

The particulars of the seats of these parties are as follows: 

BJP-282, Shiv Sena-18, Telegu Desam-16, NPF-01, Lokjan Shakti Party-06, SWP-01, Akali Dal-04, NINRC-01, ILSP-03, NPP-01, AD-02, PMK-01.

Thus, this alliance got 336 seats in Lok Sabha.

Janata Party

Politics of Alliance : 

In Lok Sabha or State legislature elections, many times a party does not get a clear majority, whereas to run the government, majority is needed in these institutions. 

So some parties make their alliance and set joint programms by mutual talks because principles differ from party to party. The alliance parties set the programmes, accepted by all, in which there is no opposition in included parties. In opposition, some parties together make an alliance. This kind of alliance may be formed before elections. Thus, in such politics before or after election, there will be mutual consent in the formation of government or any other matter in the parties and they run the government according to an approved control. This is called politics of alliance.

1. NDA 

2. UPA

1. Formation of temporary government 

2. Loss of national unity.

BJP got 282 seats.

The representative are from Shiv Sena, Telegu Desam, Akali Dal, Lokjan Shakti Party, etc.

New dimension of Indian foreign policy : 

In present world, India is a rapidly emerging economy. In the decade of 1990, whatever reformative steps in economic field were taken, those have been the base of Indian foreign policy and that is to establish a safe and stable environment, so that Indian economic development continues unobstructed. No change takes place in the essential of Indian foreign policy with the change of government.

The foreign policy of present government, stresses on following the tradition of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’. India wants to develop a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. The present government has tried to make Indian foreign policy active. The present government, to make India a powerful nation of Asia, gives special stress to free its economy from corruption, end red tapism, and on speeding up structural reform.

Following are the qualities : 

1. In such government there are two or more parties. 

2. The participants are able to adopt the coalition politics to achieve something. The goal can be to achieve in an essence form or in a psychological form. 

3. Alliance is a temporary management. 

4. The formation of such government is based on agreement. There is no room for hard and dogmatic politics; that is, the mixed government is based on realism. 

5. Each main participant party of alliance tends to increase its political power and wishes to get power all alone.

It can be clarified through following ways : 

1. Non-alignment movement has given important contribution to end the possibilities of world war III. 

2. It has made important efforts to maintain peace and security and to end imperialism. 

3. Due to it, peace was maintained between the two superpowers. 

4. Non-alignment conferences, peacefully solved the conflicts and disputes among the member countries. 

5. The member nations of non-alignment movement gave sufficient cooperation in the field of science and technoloy. 

6. It has influenced international politics widely. 

7. It is reducing tension in international relations.

8. The non-alignment movement has played a leading role to make the weaker countries free and to oppose the policy of apartheid.

Lack of rhythm is found in such governments because such government has the leaders of different parties who have different ideologies. They are influenced by the programmes of their own party. When such leaders hold the post of ministers in different ministries, they do not pay attention in introducing the programme. They care only for the programmes of their own party. The ministers of different parties do not have mutual cooperation as they have in single party rule. Different political parties work on their own agenda secretly and further their own interest. This non-cooperation in ministries create hardships to rule. For the smooth conduct of the government, mutual cooperation is necessary.

Harm to national unity : 

Many parties are included in coalition government. These parties by mutual discussion set a joint programme because ideologies and theories differ from party to party. These alliances, to get power, overlook their ideological differences. In alliances the number of regional parties are more than national parties. So their effects are increased in alliance and P.M. is forced to come under their pressure. For example, in last UPA government, Trinmul, a regional party of West Bengal (Mamta Banneiji) opposed the P.M. and P.M. Manmohan Singh and he remained in pressure. Due to excess pressure of local parties’ interests, national interests get disadvantaged.

The cause of forming alliance government in India : 

India is a country full of diversities. People of different classes, religions, cultures and castes live here. On the basis of their interests, hundreds of political parties are formed here. To get power. 20 to 40 political parties are joining alliance. When no party gets clear majority in Lok Sabha or state legislative elections, government cannot be formed. Because without majority formation and conduction of parliamentary rule is not possible, so to get majority, it has become a fashion to make alliance. Consequently ,alliance governments are formed. In 16th Lok Sabha, in spite of getting majority, BJP did not make government alone, but made an alliance government.

Relation between India and Russia- 

India and Russia have been traditional friends. But in 1991 with the disintegration of former Soviet Union and Indian adoption of market oriented global economy instead of socialist economy caused the relation between the two countries to decline. Although even today, India is the second bigger country purchasing Russian weapons. Russia is necessary for India’s nuclear capability. India and Russia are partners in different collaborative effect, but it has become a necessity for India to establish relations with other European countries like France and Germany, and USA.

Lack of powerful foreign policy : 

In a coalition government lack of powerful foreign policy is found. P.M. remains unable to form powerful foreign policy because he remains in pressure of his allies and cannot take decision freely. Thus, is case of foreign policy, country’s position remains weak. Advice has to be taken from allies regarding alliance and agreements, and the government’s position falls weak before foreign countries. While the P.M. of single party remains successful in adopting free and powerful decisions, which enhances the country’s prestige abroad. So, if seen from foreign policy’s angle, differences are found in coalition governments. Consequendy no powerful government is formed and a firm foreign policy cannot be formed.

Tendency of Indian federalism: 

Indian federalism is not a pure federalism in principle. In particular circumstances, it has been vested with unitary powers. The centre has been made powerful. On the issues like, legislative, executive, judicial, and emergency, the centre has been provided with the final and decisive role. All India public services, emergency provisions (Section 352, 356, 360), finance commission, etc. have been the means of centralisation, institutionally.

Another aspect of this federalism, i.e., the Union of States System having the soul of unitary government, has been that the states have been provided proper share and importance through various institutions like National Development Council, Interstate Council (article 262), Regional Council, the Policy Commission, etc. and the share of the states has been ensured within the federal structure.

Coalition government is based on broad public support because in such government, 15 to 20 parties are included. All these parties have broad public support. In alliance the included parties get public support on the basis of its numbers. Government’s acceptance increases and it takes good decisions in the public interests. Importance is also given to it in abroad. At present, in our country under the leadership of Narendra Modi N.D.A. government is there, which is taking good decisions and getting respect in foreign lands.

Suggestions to remove tension between the centre and the states: Many suggestions have been given to remove tension between the centre and the states. 

These are as follows: 

1. The centre should not have the power to provide discretionary grant to the states. 

2. The finance commission should be converted into a permanent body or institution and it should be developed as a counselling centre. 

3. NITI AYOG should be given the status of a constitutional autonomous body. 

4. According to article 263, interstate council has been established which should work as a counsellor to the President of India. 

5. A committee is set up for the counselling of the President for the appointment of governors magistrates, and the members of NITI AYOG. 

6. In administrative, financial, and legislative fields, central control should be relaxed. 

7. All India Services officials, in the service of the state government, should be fully under the control of the state government. 

8. Besides, formation of an Inter state council, a constitutional advisory committee should be set up for each state. This committee should advise the state on the federal questions. 

9. The centre should not interfere on the subjects mentioned in the state list. Implementation and expenditure of the programs related to the subjects of the state list, should be the full responsibility of the state governments. 

10. The centre should be more liberal so that on important issues it takes the states in its confidence. Hence, steps should be taken to make, ‘conference and deliberation system’ more and more effective. 

11. Some such subjects of the concurrent list should be transferred into the state list which increase the rights of states, but without affecting the power of the centre. It is also possible that these subjects can be given to the states with certain conditions. 

12. A permanent but non-political committee should also be set up to solve the economic problems of states, which should make financial adjustments between the centre and the states. 

13. By making amendments in the constitutional provisions related to president and governors, their powers should be increased in such a way that they can work judiciously without any helplessness.

Negative aspect of federal system : 

The negative features of federal system are as follows: 

1. Federal government system is not suitable during crisis because during wars or internal crisis / danger, the union (the central government) government is unable to take any quick decision without the consent of states. 

2. This system is suitable for big countries only, not for small countries. 

3. In federal system, there are two types of governments of same kind and as a result of it, it is a wastage of money. 

4. In federal system, the citizens have dual citizenship. Hence, it poses a danger to the existence of federation (here union). 

5. In this system, there always persists the fear of legislative conflict because sometimes the centre and the state government both enact a law on the same subject. To settle this dispute, they have to go to the judiciary. 

6. This is a rigid governmental system in which amendments cannot be done easily. In this system the constitution is rigid, in which the process of amendment is difficult and rigid, which is different from the process of enactment of general laws. Hence, amendment cannot be made in it as per the requirements. 

7. In this system, the administrative powers are divided. This division of work creates laxity in administrative working. No administrative work is done smoothly due to this distribution of work between the central and state governments. 

8. Federal system of government is not folly successful in international field or policy. In this system, the government (centre) decides international policy under one process. The union has to depend on the cooperation of its units (states). Sometimes state governments come together and oppose the foreign policy of the union (central government). Therefore, sometimes, the union government is not folly successful in formation or implementation of international policy. 

On the basis of the above points, it can be concluded that despite of the several flaws in this system, in the modem times, this (federal) system is considered as an efficient and powerful system of government.

Positive aspect of federal government system : 

The main positive points of federal government system are as follows: 

•  Increase in national unity : 

Feeling of national unity is strong in this system. National feelings become strong because many states come together and form a union. 

• Suitable for weaker and small states.: 

This system is suitable for weaker and small states. Due to this system, they become powerful. 

•  Encouragement to local institutions : 

In this system, emphasis is laid on the development of local institutions. The local institutions are made responsible for providing solutions to the local problems. Thus, the citizens get political education from it and development of local institutions takes place. 

• Practical aspect of the principle of cooperation : 

In this system of government, principle of distribution of power is followed because government powers have been distributed between the central government and its emits (the states). It reduces the feeling of conflict.

• Lack of autocracy : 

In this system, the constitution is written and rigid. In it, the citizenship and the field of governmental work, is clearly mentioned and the government and the states cannot go beyond their rights because the supreme court has the right to judicial review. Therefore, in this system even the government cannot become autocratic. 

• Emphasis on universal brotherhood : 

In federal system, all the units have operational coordination. All the units are internally independent and on international level the union government (here the central government) is all in all. In this government system, the state (centre) establishes relations with all the foreign nations. Hence, the feeling of universal brotherhood is one of the salient features of federal system. This system encourages feeling of mutual cooperation among nations of the world.

Invention of telegraph, telephone, internet and microchip etc have brought communication revolution in the whole world.

(b) Communalism

(d) All of these

When a religious, cultural or linguistic group or community consciously considers itself to be a separate class and keeps putting political demands on the basis of religious and cultural grounds and gives priority to its demands over national and social interests, this can be called communalism.

According to Smith :

“He is a communal person or a group which considers each religious and linguistic group a separate social and political entity and whose interest is different from other groups and can be hostile to them. The ideology of such individuals or individual groups will be called communalism or communalist”.

Causes of Problem of Communalism

• Representation in the formation of the cabinet on the basis of religion : 

It is always put in cognizance while constituting a cabinet or legislature at the centre or in states that all main communities and prominent religious groups get suitable representation in it. In the formation of central cabinet, Sikhs, Christians and minorities are given due representation.

• Religion and national unity :

Religion and communalism are regarded detrimental to national unity. The great country, India, was partitioned on account of religious differences and still these fanatic groups are at play. 

• Religious pressure group in politics :

Certain communal organisations play a role of powerful coercion in Indian politics. These religious groups influence the policies of the administration and sometimes manipulate decisions in their favour.

• Nurturing a spirit of separation by political parties for their own interest :

It is true that many political parties and organisations came into being before independence and partition of the country, and after independence too, purely on the basis of religion, which include Jamayat-E-Islam, All India Majlis-E-Ittehade Muslim, etc. Unfortunately, these organisations started politics of religion for fulfilling their political interests and hence because of which, a nature of separation developed among communities. Besides, these organisations indulged in certain activities of separatism, thus challenging the unity and integrity of our country.

• Other reasons : 

1. There is a spurt in communal passion in the society because of economic and educational backwardness of Muslims. 

2. In vote-bank politics, when a particular group is given something extra or more in comparision to others, it is quite natural that tension develops in the society. 

3. Even today, a faction of Muslims is suffering from a mindset of separatism, and as such they cannot include themselves in the national mainstream.

(d) All of these

In Vedic Period, the basis of caste was work and profession.

Caste is an age-old social arrangement in India.

Ill-effects of communalism : 

The ill-effects of communalism are as follows :

• Mutual hatred : When Hindus and Muslims fight for their respective interests, it naturally creates an atmosphere of mutual hatred and distrust. This hatred spreads fierce communalism and hence social peace gets disturbed. 
• Economic loss : Communal riots cost dear in terms of economic loss. Plenty of shops are burnt and a large amount of national property in gutted. In addition to it, government has to invest a hefty amount of money in controlling communal riots.
• Fatal for life : Hundreds of people are killed in communal riots. There have been no riots which have not caused massive bloodshed. Ranchi, Varanasi, Aligarh, Mumbai, etc are the recent examples of communal riots.
• Political instablity : An ill-effect of communalism is political instability. Communalism develops such circumstances or helps to develop such conditions which bring-in political instability in the country.
• Obstacle in national unity : Communalism is a strong enemy to national unity. National unity implies that all should live in mutual bond, all should ensure mutual good, whereas communalism stands with contrary objectives. Its conviction is that all communities should fight for their respective interests. 
• Threat to national security : 

India is a religiously diverse county. People of several communities live here. It is essential that these people live with harmony which is further essential for the development of the country. Fierce communal feelings and riots cannot allow unity to blossom. These communal clashes and tensions cause formidable danger to our national security. In addition to the above ill-effects, religion and communalism are also obstacles to the economic and industrial growth of the country. Communalism also adversely impacts our relations with other countries.

In 1947 India get partitioned on communal lines.

In 1940, Mohd Alijinnah came out with two-nation theory.

‘Jai Prakash Narayan’ made this statement.

(a) Feb, 2000

1. Role of castes in decision-making process.

2. Electoral behaviour on ethnic /casteist basis.

Meaning of caste : 

The spirit of intense attraction towards a caste is called casteism. That is the hyper cohesion of a person towards his caste, nature of the person to isolate himself from other castes and attitude and demeanour of a person in administration and politics when dictated by considerations of caste is called casteism. As a result of this a person nurtures a mindset of opposition and aversion towards other castes. 

According to Kaka Kalelkar : 

“Casteism is an over-riding, blind and supreme group loyalty that ignores the healthy social standards of justice, fair play, equity and universal brotherhood”.

Role of Caste in Indian politics :

• An influential role in decision-making :

In India, organised castes influence the political and social decision-making process.

For example- scheduled castes and scheduled tribes exert pressure on government to extend the benefits of reservation.

• Electoral trend on the basis of casteism : 

During election campaigning of a candidate in Indian election, the candidate tries to invoke the feeling of casteism in order to mould to his favour all members of the caste in his constituency.  

• Ethnic pressure group : 

Many ethnic (racial) groups and communities as ‘Nadar caste Union’ in Tamil Nadu, Kshatriya cartel in Gujarat, Kayasth congregation in Bihar, etc. try to bargain in political domain on the basis of their organised pressure.

• Racial representation in the formation of cabinet :

It is endeavoured during cabinet formation of states that there should be a minister of all the main castes. In central cabinet also, some portfolios are allotted to the members belonging to dalits, tribes, Brahmins Sikhs, Rajputs and Kayasths.

• Casteism in state politics :

‘No state’s politics is immune to the impact of casteism. State politics of Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan has become caste-ridden.

• Decision in political parties on the basis of casteism :

In India, all political parties take their decisions on choosing candidates on the basis of caste only. From the above description, it is clear that the casteism plays a vital role in Indian politics.

By exerting pressure on administrations, these organisations try to gain more power, dignity and political rights for their members.

All-India Muslim League was established in 1906.

According to Rudolph and Ruldolph, “The caste politics has lessened the differences between the castes and increased similarities among the members of different castes.”

For the development of minorities, the Sachchar Committee suggested a 15-point programme for education to all and special incentives to Muslim girls, etc.

1. Political relations are made dynamic by caste 

2. Racial organisations have given birth to caste-based political aspirations.

In the sates of Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Characteristics of caste-based politics are: 

1. The relations between caste and politics are dynamic. That is, their relation do not stand consistent. 

2. In specific area, a certain caste may becomes politically strong and powerful. 

3. Casteist unions and organisations have encouraged caste based politics. 

4. Casteist / ethnic leadership earns political dividends by way of supporting certain caste issues, and gets an increased number of followers in their caste. 

5. Along the line of politicisation of caste, there is ethnicization of politics at local level. 

6. Despite education, modernisation and democratic system, the spirit of casteism and polarisation has got an impetus.

Two negative impacts of casteism in Indian politics are as follows:

•  Damage to the spirit of fraternity and unity : 

It damages the sentiments of fraternity and unity. Enmity increases in the wake of conflicts between ethnic/ racial groups to further their own interests. The atmosphere becomes tense and conflicting and social harmony get disturbed. During the Gujjar riots in Rajasthan, there were clashes between the Meenas and Gujjars, leading to social tensions. 

• Push to conservatism : 

Casteist thoughts enhance conservatism. And hence the fruits of scientific and progressive approaches do not get ripened. As a result, casteism promotes traditionalism and modem outlook gets hampered.

Role of caste at the time of selection of candidates by political parties : 

The political parties consider caste equation while deciding the name of their candidates. They choose to nominate the person of that caste which has a majority in the particular region. Many times when two political parties nominate their candidates belonging to the same caste having majority in that particular area, then the third party nominates the person who belongs to the second number in terms of the majority of caste in that specific region, so that the benefit of division of votes of the first group would be obtained by the third candidate. 

Almost all political parties resort to the consideration of caste in selection of their candidates in Lok Sabha and states’ assembly elections in India. The political parties always keep in mind the caste equation in their organizational elections and also while making appointments. Many factions on the basis of caste are found internally in all the political who are engrossed in power competition.

The British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ encouraged communalism in India.

The Chairmanship of Sachchar Committee Report was done by Retd Judge ‘Rajendra Singh Sachchar’.

Two positive impacts of casteism in Indian politics are as follows :

 i. To bind the people with one string : 

The relation of caste and politics has bound the people in a stream. People of the same caste even while living at remote places, come into contact with each other in meetings held by the people of their caste. They maintain contact with each other through modem means of communication. They help each other in resolving their problems and try to maintain unity among the people of their caste to take greater advantage from the government. This develops the feeling of unity and social cohesion among the people. 

ii. To generate political activism : 

The caste-based politics has enhanced political activity in a big way. People have started becoming active in politics to keep their influence in their caste and to protect their interests. They have begun to get involved in social work. The active people of ethnic organisations have also become active in politics.

Efforts to remove casteism : 

1. In order to remove casteism, encouragement to inter-caste marriages shall prove to be fruitful. 

2. The youth of the nation should be encouraged to form castefree groups and its shall auger well in this direction. If these caste-free graphs get vocal and get into the society with the strong appeal of their doctrine, then, of course, entire population will be their members one day. 

3. For the removal of casteism, ‘anti-racial’ education is mandatory. Children should not be imparted with caste-based rules. If they come to know of them naturally because of social atmosphere, (then) advance education should be such that they develop a mindset which does not subscribe to castebased dogmas. 

4. To end casteism, there should be anti-casteist propagands. By way of propagnda, anti-casteist mindset, emotions and sensitivity should be infused in people’s mind. 

5. In order to remove casteism, mere sloganeering, bringing any laws and to talk against caste-arrangement will not suffice, unless these are implemented on ground. Hence, it is a duty on the part of the people to play an active role in the direction of its elimination. 

6. For the elimination of casteism, it is important to bring in cultural and political equality in the society. When there are cultural and economic parities in people of different castes, then the people on their own, will bring down cast-bondage and will start establishing social relations.

 7. There must be strong and powerful rules to end casteism. The government has initiated some measures such asUntouchability (offences) Act, 1955, which is a step forward to end caste- system. This law has got a considerable amount of success. 

8. All the caste-based institutions should be banned in order to end casteism.

The reasons of development of casteism : 

The reasons of development of casteism are as follows :

i.  A line of thought to increase repute of own caste :

Indian society is divided into many castes. People of every caste endeavour to promote the glory of own caste. As a result, there is a push to the reputation of their caste, simultaneously their own reputation is also felt to be increasing.

ii. Expansion of transport and communication sources :

Ever since there has been an ‘increase’ in transport and communication resources, there is a mutual cohesion among the members of a caste. In addition to it, has been quite easy to propagate the sentiment of casteism through newspapers and also by caste-specitic magazines and the likes.

iii. Marriage-related prohibitions :

Every caste imposes a restriction on it members that he/they should marry within his/their caste only. As a result the scope of marriage becomes ‘limited’ and his love and attention towards his caste becomes obvious in the wake of the area of wedding opportunity being limited.’The sentiments of love towards own caste are the form of caste-management. One caste is like a conjugal group, whose members make one-another their relatives, This through has given birth to casteism.

iv. Effect of urbanisation and Industrialisation :

Because of this change, people have migrated to cities from villages and they have started living there. During their ‘being’ in cities, they start to spot/find out people of their caste or community for solving their own problems. Slowly and steadily, they get mingled and have started formation of many associations like. “Akhil Bhartiya Agrawal Sangh”. In this way, on one hand, industrialisation and urbanisation help in breaking caste-system, but simultaneously, give rise to the strong sentiment of casteism. 

v. Problem of livelihood :

So far as the advent of casteism is concerned, the problem of livelihood has played a major role. People of a caste feel that if they want to be employed then they have to develop a bond. If one member of a caste gets onto a good/high post, then he should provide or help to provide employment to the people of his caste. Against the backdrop of these thoughts, racial/ethnic organisation develops and flourishes and as a result of such or ganisations, a sentiment of casteism comes into ‘being’.