Unlike countries like UK and USA, India has a multi-party system. During the elections, numerous parties emerge from diverse backgrounds to contest elections. Since political parties in India are formed on the basis of religious and linguistic factors unlike parties in the West that are formed on the basis of a common socio-economic policy, it appeals to a larger section in a country like India.
- One party dominant system
Despite being a multi-party system, the government at the centre or the state is captured by a single party which has the power to decide the future policies of the State. When parties with a clear majority win the elections, other minor parties do not have a say in the policy making. The majority in the Parliament helps the ruling party to stifle any form of dissent.
- Lack of clear ideology
Most political parties in India do not have a distinct ideology of their own. The manifestos and party ideology of most parties in India advocate ideals that are similar to other political parties. Ideals like democracy, nationalism, secularism, socialism appear in almost every manifesto.
- Personality cult
Political parties in India are deeply influenced by the personality cult of the leaders in power. Most of the time, parties are formed around the strength of one charismatic leader whose voice represents that of the party.
- Based on traditional factors
Political parties in India are formed on age-old traditions that give strong foundation to the party. Since people consider religion, ethnicity, and culture more important than social welfare, parties in India are formed on this basis.
- Emergence of Regional parties
The year 1977 marked the end of Congress dominance. People who were dissatisfied with the totalitarian rule formed parties of their own. Regional parties were formed in the States and this provided a plank for regional aspirations to be addressed. Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari, remarks that India is now experiencing a change from one-part dominant system to a system of competitive dominance.
- Lack of effective opposition
Lack of an opposition party offering constructive criticism is a serious bane to parliamentary democracy.
- Factionalism and defection
When there is less unity among the part members, it leads to internal factionalism and defection and prevents unanimous opinions from the party.
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