Question

Write notes on Recent Developments in Indian Parliamentary Democracy.

Answer 1

1. Rise of Coalition Politics: Since the 1990s, coalition governments have been the norm, but recent elections show a return to single-party dominance at the central level.
2. Strengthening of the PMO: The Prime Minister's Office has gained more influence, centralizing decision-making and policy coordination.
3. Judicial Activism: Courts have become more involved in governance, especially through Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and significant judgments aimed at safeguarding constitutional rights.
4. Anti-Defection Laws: These laws have reduced political instability, although there are concerns about their potential misuse.
5. Technology and Social Media: The use of technology, especially social media, has changed political campaigning and how politicians communicate with voters.
6. Decentralization and Panchayati Raj: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have empowered local governance, strengthening rural and urban local bodies.
7. Electoral Reforms: Reforms like Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) and improved voter rolls have increased transparency and the credibility of elections.