CAN A TWO-PARTY SYSTEM MAKE THE INDIAN POLITICAL SCENARIO BETTER?

A two-party system refers to a political system, in which, only two political parties have a chance of winning elections and forming a government in a democracy.

I was wondering, whether a two-party system can improve the political setup of India at the national level.

If so, allow me to cite the potential points of a two-party setup to initiate a debate on this issue:

[1] A two-party system can simplify, the choices for the voters. The voters can easily identify and differentiate the ideology of the two parties, leading to a much clearer, and more informed, decision to vote.

[2] A two-party system can create a more stable political environment, maintain the expected status quo, and avoid the threat of shifting, from the promised path, plans, and policies, promised in the manifestoes.

[3] In a two-party system, it is easier to reach a consensus, on important issues, and arrive at a conclusion, more quickly. This can lead, to a more efficient government, and ensure faster progress, on vital national issues and policies.

[4] In a two-party system, it is easier for the voters, to hold irresponsible politicians accountable, for non-compliance with assurances.

[5] In a two-party system, each party can appeal to a broad range of voters, thus preventing multiple splits and separations, which often, happens in the functioning of a multi-party system at work, where smaller parties have a lop-sided, ethical, or ideological effect, on the voters.

Despite advantages, a two-party system, has some drawbacks too, such as limiting the range of political perspectives, reducing the voter’s choice, and leading to a lack of diversity.?

But, weaknesses of a multi-party system are graver, for example:

[1] In a multi-party system, it can be difficult, for any one party, to secure a majority, which can lead to a coalition government. This makes the formation of a stable government difficult, as differences in opinion and ideology, among the coalition partners can persist.

[2] A multi-party system can lead to political instability, as frequent changes in government can occur, due to coalition governments. This can lead to uncertainty in policy-making and decision-making, which can be detrimental to the country's progress and development.

[3] When there are multiple parties in Parliament, there is a risk in decision-making, and unwarranted deadlocks and delays can arise, preventing the passage of legislation on important issues.

[4] In a multi-party system, it can be difficult to achieve clarity, and consensus on policy issues, due to the differing opinions, and ideologies of the various parties involved. This can lead to confusion among people and can make it challenging, for the government to effectively communicate its policies.

[5] A multi-party system can also contribute to polarization among citizens and the political class, as many parties may engage in aggressive rhetoric and divisive tactics to gain public support. This can create divisions, making it difficult, to compromise and collaborate in policy-making.

Considering the aforesaid views:

The validation of a two-party system, eventually rests on, the consensual decision of the leaders of all regional and national parties, agreeing to join hands, to work, and deliver, common goals. Or else, the suggested proposal will end up as a foolish idea.

Furthermore.

The people of India cannot forget the pain of the 1000-year foreign rule of barbarians and looters, and then, seeing the post-independence ruling class immersed in corruption, the danger posed by liars and lies, the risk of lawmakers with a criminal record, and the threat of naked nepotism are real and difficult to ignore any which way.

To win elections, politicians often use catchphrases, promising to remove corruption and poverty, by projecting themselves as saviors. Our culture and identity were traumatized by invaders. As a result, we are still a nation in chaos. So, it is easy for politicians, to use the magical power of imagery, to dazzle the voters, thru loudmouthed slogans, and stage-managed public meetings.??????

This should not go unchecked, or else, it can develop into a chronic dilemma. Politicians should be careful, blatant lies, empty promises, freebies, and demagoguery can prevent our progress, and can shake our social order. Imagine how difficult it is for the voters to reconcile with such surreal situations, splits, spills, and spoils. Should we allow history to repeat itself?

Sadly, even our social order has failed to encourage and promote, more and more, capable, honest, and law-abiding citizens to join politics. Why is Indian society so indifferent and doesn’t bat an eyelid on this important issue?

During past regimes, India witnessed Judicial Activism, intervening and asserting in matters of governance, suggesting that systems at work are not well-wired to deliver results constitutionally. Can loopholes join loose ends? Concocting laps and leaps eventually fail.

The mockery of morality is shocking too, only a few politicians manage to escape from greed and the temptation of money and come out clean from the cesspool of politics. But when a huge number of politicians commit financial fraud, take bribes, and steal public money for a party or personal use. This really scares the voters and can put the progress of the nation in dire straits.

The West-based Machiavellian and Hitlerian methods do not suit our homegrown indigenous demands, custom, culture, tradition, and philosophy. We have already experienced the fallout and witnessed the dark phase of an emergency, and the sidestepping of democracy by a dictatorship, which was ironically elected through a democratic system.??

When we talk about democracy, I would like to state, that ancient India had developed a fine art of intellectual debate called Shastrat – ??????????? which was rampant and radiated rational public discourse in the bygone Vedic age. Besides, the Vedic society was open to debating matters on social issues and people were free to speak and criticize each other in public assemblies. So, rating India as the mother of democracy is appropriate, indeed.

There is nothing wrong to be rich and enjoy a sensual and luxurious life. But politics is not a place to fulfill such ambitions. Governments are not profit-making enterprises. The administration’s role is to fairly and honestly deliver welfare schemes for the benefit of the people, by rendering selfless service to them, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

Legislators are custodians and trustees, elected by the people, to shoulder the responsibility, to collect revenues from the people lawfully, and then, under framed policies, spent the revenue accumulated money, on the progress, prosperity, and protection of the people.

That’s why, taking bribes, or pocketing public money, is considered a punishable offense. Generally, when lawmakers break the law, it is not only a disgraceful act but hurts the conscience of the nation deeply, such crimes are unpardonable.

Therefore, the constitution of India gives no room for lawmakers to pamper corruption, break the law, or act on whims and fancies.

The constitution guarantees equality and makes no discrimination between lawmakers, even if, they are educated ???? ????, less educated ?? ???????, or illiterate ?????. Ultimately, it is the practical experiences of life, the knowledge of ground realities, and the capability to deliver that matters, and not merely a spongy memory-based education crammed by the bookworms.?

Truly, only good, decent, and dignified persons, who are eager to take up, the duties to serve people, safeguard the national interest, and work unselfishly for the wellbeing of the people and the country, should join politics, and not others, who wish to make money.

Politics is not a vocation. It is an opportunity given, to the righteous people, by the people to render selfless service, for the benefit of the people, and the nation. An honest politician can find a place on the pages of history, immortalizing his name. This gain is no less than fleecing money unlawfully.???

The greed of money corrupts. As such, only the unselfish politician can stand upright, accelerate the engines of growth and progress, and deliver promises. However, in this age of transparency, politicians ought to be careful, there is no place for them to hide their wrongdoings. So, it is imperative for them to come out clean and earn the respect of voters.

In fact, History founded on facts is written, after a lapse of hundred years, from the occurrence of the events. Only then, the true record of good or bad governance is inscribed in black and white, with a sense of pride or shame.?

The Karma Theory really works. So, there is no need to pontificate. Hindus know the consequences of good and bad karma like the back of their hand. Even as this fact is embedded in their DNA. Yet, they tend to forget too often. So, reminding them is not a bad idea.

Moreover, we should not overlook, that after independence, only one party prospered. Congress had full control, till the rise of the Janata Party, and later Janata Dal. Political pundits say the Congress party failed to thwart the multiplication of political parties so as to win elections conveniently.

By now, the Indian voters have understood, the working of one party, and multi-parties system, they have grasped the ways in which, political parties erode political goals, ignore national interest, indulge in opportunism, allow criminals and turncoats to thrive, display the lust for power, and batter political values.

Morality is important in politics, so is a stable government, and so is an effective opposition, for the smooth functioning of democracy, by means of ethical ways and human touch.

Indian history is replete with the glorious and exemplary rule of Ram the king of Ayodhya, Ashok the Great, and Raja Harsha Vardhan. They are the shining stars of good governance, progress, prosperity, and peace, and the best role models to inspire our politicians, if our politicians follow them, then India is destined to become a great nation and occupy the center stage of world politics.????

Water carving its way through stones is visible but not the vipers in tall grass.?

So being clearsighted, if leaders of all the regional and national parties join hands, come closer, and discuss together, to evaluate the sensibleness of a two-party system, then for sure, they can change the dynamics of our political system.

Let us make India better.

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Postscript

Some readers may find the article on funding electoral campaigns interesting. Click the link and read.?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-prevent-use-tainted-money-electoral-campaigns-suresh-kumar-soni/