India’s 2024 general elections have set a record with 744 political parties contesting, an all-time high that underscores the complexity and vibrancy of the world’s largest democracy. This surge in political participation, however, presents a paradox: while the number of parties vying for seats in the Lok Sabha has ballooned, the core contest remains largely unchanged, dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
This phenomenon raises several questions about the nature of Indian democracy, the motivations behind forming new parties, and the implications for governance and electoral integrity. To understand this, we must delve into the factors driving the proliferation of political parties and assess their impact on the democratic process.
The Explosion of Political Parties
India’s political landscape has always been diverse, reflecting the country’s vast cultural, linguistic, and regional heterogeneity. The number of political parties contesting elections began to rise sharply from the late 1980s, a period marked by significant political shifts. According to Rahul Verma, a fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, this increase can be attributed to several factors: the declining dominance of the Congress party, fragmentation within socialist blocs, and the assertion of various political identities across the nation.
In the 2024 elections, the BJP and INC have fielded a combined total of 769 candidates. Meanwhile, more than 30 other parties that won at least one seat in the 2019 elections are also in the fray. However, the most striking feature of this election is the participation of over 700 lesser-known parties. These parties, often driven by specific regional, caste, or ideological agendas, add to the rich mosaic of Indian politics, even if their chances of winning are minimal.
The Impact of Electoral System and Economic Incentives
India’s first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system significantly influences the proliferation of political parties. In this system, candidates win by securing the highest number of votes in their constituencies, even if it is not a majority. This means that theoretically, a candidate could win with a small fraction of the total votes, provided the opposition is sufficiently fragmented. This electoral system encourages the formation of numerous small parties, each hoping to carve out a niche for themselves.
Moreover, the financial aspects of running a political party in India cannot be overlooked. Founding a political party offers significant benefits, such as income tax exemptions and the potential to convert undeclared income (black money) into legal income (white money). Jagdeep Chhokar, co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms, points out that political parties can leverage their status to receive favorable treatment from government officials and to secure financial gains through various means, including withdrawing candidates in exchange for money from stronger contenders.
The 2019 elections saw the BJP and INC spending approximately $255 million combined, with other major parties spending an additional $100 million. In stark contrast, 90% of smaller parties declared incomes of less than $1 million for the fiscal year 2018-19. This financial disparity highlights the challenges faced by smaller parties in competing with the major political players.
Regional Parties: The Real Power Brokers
Despite the overwhelming presence of smaller parties, regional parties play a crucial role in India’s political dynamics. Parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have substantial influence in their respective states. These regional parties often hold the balance of power, especially in coalition governments.
In the past three decades, most Indian governments have been coalitions. Even when a single party has managed to cross the halfway mark, the support of smaller regional parties has often been critical for stability. This coalition era underscores the importance of regional parties, which can act as kingmakers despite not having a pan-India presence.
Challenges and Criticisms
The proliferation of political parties, while indicative of a vibrant democracy, also brings significant challenges. Managing elections with such a large number of contestants is logistically complex and expensive. The 2010 report by the Indian government on electoral reforms highlighted how a high number of candidates make elections cumbersome and increase the cost of maintaining law and order, providing security, and ensuring the proper functioning of voting machines.
Furthermore, the efficacy of many smaller parties is questionable. Of the more than 1,500 parties that have contested the past 15 Lok Sabha elections, a majority have contested only once. Only 34 parties have contested more than half of these elections, indicating that many parties are short-lived and possibly formed for opportunistic reasons rather than genuine political representation.
The easy registration process for new political parties adds to the problem. Once registered, the Election Commission of India does not have the authority to deregister parties, allowing them to remain on the books indefinitely, regardless of their activity or impact. This leniency in regulation leads to the persistence of parties that may have little to no genuine political agenda or base.
The Dominance of Major Parties
Despite the exponential increase in the number of contesting parties, the core political battle remains between the BJP and the INC. Over the past ten elections, these two parties have consistently garnered an average combined vote share of 52%. This dominance is reinforced by their substantial financial resources and nationwide organizational structures.
Independent candidates and smaller parties face significant hurdles in gaining traction. The financial and organizational might of the major parties means that the chances of electoral success for independents and small parties are minimal. This was evident in the 2019 elections, where the vast majority of seats were won by the BJP, INC, and a few influential regional parties.
The Road Ahead for Indian Democracy
The proliferation of political parties in India’s 2024 general elections highlights the complexity and dynamism of its democracy. While the sheer number of parties reflects the diverse aspirations and identities within the country, it also underscores significant challenges in electoral management and the financial inequities that skew the playing field in favor of larger parties.
For India to sustain and strengthen its democratic ethos, several steps could be considered. Electoral reforms that streamline the registration and deregistration of political parties, along with stricter financial transparency and accountability, could help reduce the number of opportunistic parties. Additionally, ensuring a level playing field through state funding of elections or caps on election spending might help smaller parties compete more fairly.
Ultimately, the essence of democracy lies in fair representation and the ability of every citizen to have their voice heard. While the proliferation of parties indicates active political engagement, ensuring that this engagement translates into effective governance and representation is the true test for India’s democratic future. As India continues to evolve, balancing diversity with efficiency and fairness will be crucial in shaping the path ahead for the world’s largest democracy.