Breakdown of one-party dominance in 1967 resulted in a profound alteration of the political setting of Indian federalism. Explain.

A dominant-party system is referred to as the political condition in which the presence of opposition groups or parties is allowed, but the election result shows a single-party dominance. The ruling party with more than one consecutive term is also considered a dominant party.

Indian political system

Previously the Indian party system witnessed the dominance of one historically dominant party that is the Indian National Congress. It held the power of the union as well as in many states since the time of its Independence in 1947. Minority governments have been formed from 1991 to 1996, and from 2004 to 2014. Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 and till India’s independence, it worked as a part of the national movement. The first three general elections in the Republic of India in 1951, 1957, and 1962. The Congress party led by Jawaharlal Nehru had the hegemony of the leadership.

First challenge

The party system faced an important change when the INC had faced the first serious electoral challenge from a coalition party named Samyukta Vidhayak Dal which was made up of the Samyukta Socialist Party, Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Praja Socialist Party, Jana Sangh. in 1967.

The general election of 1967

It was considered a landmark election in the political history of India. The Congress party managed to return to power with the lowest majority since the time of Independence. The Indian National Congress was defeated in the state of Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Madras, and Odisha. Most of their victories were acquired in a narrow margin.

Comment

The 1967 elections unfolded the condition of the nation’s social and political system that was initiated in 1951-52. It has emerged the fragmented socio-political reality of India. The impact of the 1967 general elections on the history of electoral politics was far-reaching. It had indicated the significance of common people in deciding the fate of politics.