The system of governing by parties originated in England. As it now functions, people vote for parties and the party that wins the election, i.e. command a majority in Parliament, forms the Government. It holds power till the next election, unless it is voted out of office earlier and another party or Alliance may then come to power and the musical chair thus goes on.
The system works more or less smoothly in England because there are as a rule two major parties: at present the Conservatives and the Laborites.
But in India there is confusing multiplicity of parties. The Congress is the oldest; its prestige results from its heroic role in the struggle for freedom. For more than thirty years it held absolute power both at the centre, and practically in all the states. At present the political parties are mainly divided into groups— Right and Left. To the right belong two main parties—The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) with its allies, besides the Congress.
The Congress forms a solid and homogeneous party. The rich and well organized BJP is fairly strong in the Northern parts of India, while the Communists are strong in West Bengal and Kerala.
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Unfortunately, these coalescing groups have no common outlook. Most of them, are fighting each other within the government. Smaller parties are constantly defecting from their electoral allegiance, and the coalition governments are easily ousted from office, reducing the Defection law to a mockery.
What is the solution? Steps are being considered to penalize unscrupulous defections. But this may not solve the problem; since the basic fact remains that the coalitions can never be homogeneous.
The decision lies with the people, and the people will decide rightly if the issues are put fairly before them. In a federal constitutional framework, it is essential that the relation between the Centre and the States works smoothly. Sarkaria Commission lays down certain principles to guide these centre-state relations. But its recommendations have not been so far properly given effect to.
This can be ensured by a large devolution of powers. The State must be given greater freedom of action, both financially and in administration. The Centre should broadly be responsible for Defence, Foreign Relations, International Trade, Inter-State communication, and as a central body for arbitration and adjustments between the States.