The party systems at both levels – national and state moved towards a fragmentation from the late 1980s or, more particularly, from the 1990s. What are the features of these fragmentary systems

Q: The party systems at both levels – national and state moved towards a fragmentation from the late 1980s or, more particularly, from the 1990s. What are the features of these fragmentary systems

The fragmentation of party systems at both the national and state levels in India from the late 1980s and particularly from the 1990s onwards is characterized by several key features:

1. Multipartyism: One of the most prominent features of fragmentary party systems is the proliferation of political parties. Instead of a dominant party system, where one or two parties hold significant sway, there is a proliferation of smaller parties representing diverse interests and identities. This multiparty system leads to coalition politics at both the national and state levels.
2. Regionalism: Fragmentation often results in the rise of regional parties that prioritize the interests of specific states or regions. These regional parties often emerge as significant players in state politics, challenging the dominance of national parties. Regionalism can be fueled by linguistic, cultural, economic, or identity-based factors.
3. Coalition Governments: Fragmented party systems frequently lead to the formation of coalition governments, where no single party commands a majority on its own. Coalition governments necessitate negotiation and compromise among multiple parties to form stable governments. This can result in a more inclusive decision-making process but may also lead to challenges in governance and policy implementation.
4. Electoral Volatility: Fragmentation is often accompanied by electoral volatility, characterized by frequent shifts in voter preferences and electoral outcomes. Voters may choose from a wide array of parties and candidates, leading to unpredictable election results and frequent changes in government. This volatility can be attributed to factors such as anti-incumbency sentiment, dissatisfaction with mainstream parties, and the emergence of new political contenders.
5. Personalization of Politics: Fragmented party systems often witness the rise of personality-driven politics, where individual leaders or charismatic figures play a central role in shaping electoral outcomes and party fortunes. Personalization of politics can overshadow party ideologies and institutional structures, leading to a focus on individuals rather than party platforms or policies.
6. Fluid Alliances: In fragmented party systems, political alliances are often fluid and subject to change based on shifting electoral calculations and strategic considerations. Parties may form alliances or break away from existing coalitions based on short-term political objectives, leading to a lack of ideological coherence and stability in the political landscape.
7. Issue-Based Fragmentation: Fragmentation may also occur along ideological or issue-based lines, with parties representing specific policy agendas or interest groups. This can lead to a more diverse and pluralistic political landscape but may also result in policy gridlock and difficulty in consensus-building.

Overall, the fragmentation of party systems in India has ushered in a new era of coalition politics, regional representation, and electoral volatility, challenging traditional notions of political stability and dominance. While fragmentary systems offer opportunities for greater inclusivity and representation, they also pose challenges in terms of governance effectiveness and policy coherence.