India's internal politics of coalition-centered government makes for an interesting discussion. Is it favorable? Is it effective? What are the tradeoffs?
In terms of the relations between the state and society, how does the coalition structure affect society's relationships with the state?
I imagine myself as an Indian voter. I would be absolutely confused by the plethora of parties demanding my vote. The constant campaigning going on would also make me pretty fed up with the drain on my time trying to make sense of it all. I might even ignore the whole thing. Why waste time when I could be catching up on my ZZZs?
Agree? Disagree?
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Yes, you can ignore lah! But, many parties are regionally based, representing a particular section of people or community. As a result, they find patronage. When a government is formed, as stated by Prof Baru, the role of a party in the legislature depends on the number of seats captured. Accordingly, the relationship between the state and society would mould. If a single party majority government is formed it becomes easier for the government to navigate policies, which influence the reaction of the society. The future of the party i.e. its fate in the next election depends on how it endures the trust of the voters. Any miscalculated attempt in implementing a policy would subsequently lead to loss of votes. And for the average Indian voter, nothing else matters as long as the taxes and the prices are acceptable. The youthful voter doesnt bother to vote (they are now! thanks to the internet), and the recluse voter abides his allegiance.
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