| There has been a remarkable blending of tradition and modernity in the
Indian society in which various identities have found democratic channels of expression in
the political process. The political accommodation is a democratic barrier against
manifestations of extremism. And coalition politics is the sharing of power in which
different interests are democratically accommodated.
A perception persists that coalitions are inherently unstable and undermine democracy.
Actually, the type of government depends on the type of election result and a fractured
verdict by the electorate can only result in a coalition. And a verdict given by the
electorate cannot be visualised as any violation of the electorate's mandate. It cannot be
treated as undemocratic.
Learning democracy presupposes planning democracy. A system can be helped into a democracy
through the evolution of traditions of political accommodation, political compromise and a
system of checks and balances on the governing authority. Once groups, possessing
different political and social identity, become ready to share power by accommodating the
views and values of other, the democratic structure becomes strong.
Manak Publications, Delhi, 2000
ISBN No.81-86562-97-6, Rs.400/-.
Contents :
1. Coalitions as Power-Sharing. - Akhtar Majeed
2. Identity Articulation and Emerging Political Formation in India. - Kumar Suresh
3. Social Bases, Electoral Configuration and Emerging Party System. - Ajay Kumar Singh
4. Coalition Politics in India Since 1967. - Arshi Khan
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