"Era of One-Party Dominance"
Introduction
This chapter explores how India faced the challenge of establishing democratic politics immediately after Independence. Electoral competition began right away, leading to the establishment of a system of free and fair elections. This section discusses three key areas:
The foundation of democratic elections in India.
The dominance of the Indian National Congress post-Independence.
The rise of opposition parties.
Challenge of Building Democracy
Post-Independence Challenges
After Independence, India faced the challenge of integrating democracy into a complex, diverse society. Many other newly independent countries avoided democracy, fearing it would lead to divisions. However, India chose a different path, thanks to the deep commitment of its freedom fighters to democratic ideals. The leaders saw politics not as a problem but as a solution to India's challenges.Founding the Election System
India’s first general election was a massive exercise. The Election Commission was established in January 1950, led by Sukumar Sen, the first Chief Election Commissioner. The country had to prepare for a completely new electoral system, requiring the creation of electoral constituencies and voter rolls. When it was found that many women’s names were missing from the rolls (often listed as “wife of…”), the Commission rejected this and demanded a revision.
The First General Elections: 1951-52
Logistical Challenges
India’s first general election involved 17 crore eligible voters, with a low literacy rate of only 15%. Special methods, such as symbols and boxes for each candidate, were used to help voters, many of whom were illiterate. The sheer size of the country required 20 lakh steel ballot boxes, and the Election Commission trained over 3 lakh polling staff.A Bold Gamble for Democracy
Critics called India’s decision to adopt universal adult franchise a “gamble,” arguing that the country’s poverty and illiteracy made democracy too risky. However, when the elections took place from October 1951 to February 1952, they were remarkably successful. More than half of the eligible voters participated, proving that democracy could thrive even in challenging conditions.
Congress Dominance in the First General Elections
Congress Wins by a Large Margin
As expected, the Congress Party won a landslide victory in the first general election, securing 364 out of 489 seats in the Lok Sabha. The Communist Party of India came second with only 16 seats. This dominance continued in the 1957 and 1962 elections, where Congress maintained its three-fourths majority in the Lok Sabha.Electoral System and Congress Victory
Congress’s dominance was partly due to the first-past-the-post electoral system. Although the party received only 45% of the vote in 1952, it won 74% of the seats. The opposition was fragmented, allowing Congress to gain a disproportionate number of seats despite not having a majority of votes.
Opposition and Communist Victory in Kerala
The Communist Government in Kerala (1957)
In 1957, Kerala became the first state in the world to democratically elect a Communist government, led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad. However, Congress soon launched a “liberation struggle” against the government. In 1959, under Article 356 of the Constitution, the central government dismissed the Communist government in Kerala, a decision widely criticized as a misuse of emergency powers.The Emergence of Socialist Parties
The Socialist Party, originally formed from within the Congress in 1934, separated in 1948 after the Congress amended its constitution. The Socialists, led by figures like Rammanohar Lohia, aimed for democratic socialism. However, Congress’s declaration of a “socialist pattern of society” in 1955 blurred the distinction between the two groups, weakening the Socialists' appeal.
Nature of Congress Dominance
International Comparisons
India’s one-party dominance was unique compared to other countries where single-party rule often involved suppressing democracy. In India, Congress’s dominance occurred within a democratic framework, with free and fair elections. Other countries like China and Cuba legally allowed only one party to rule, while countries like Myanmar and Egypt effectively became one-party states through military or legal measures.Congress’s Legacy of the Freedom Struggle
Congress’s dominance was rooted in its role in the national movement. It had an established, well-organized network, and its leaders were seen as the inheritors of India’s freedom. This “first off the blocks” advantage gave Congress a significant head start over emerging opposition parties.
Congress as a Social and Ideological Coalition
A Rainbow Coalition
Over time, the Congress transformed from an elite party to a mass movement, bringing together diverse groups with often contradictory interests. It included peasants, industrialists, urban and rural dwellers, workers, and owners. This broad coalition gave Congress a unique ability to represent a wide array of social groups and interests.Internal Factionalism as Strength
Congress’s strength lay in its ability to accommodate factions within the party. These factions, sometimes based on personal rivalries rather than ideological differences, made the party more flexible. As a result, political competition often occurred within Congress, rather than between Congress and opposition parties. This system allowed Congress to function as both the ruling party and the opposition.
Emergence of Opposition Parties
Opposition Parties in the 1950s
Although Congress dominated, opposition parties like the Communist Party of India, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and Socialist Party existed from the start. While these parties had limited success in elections, their presence was crucial for maintaining the democratic character of the system. They criticized Congress policies and kept the ruling party accountable, preventing political complacency.Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
Founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) was ideologically aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindu Mahasabha. The party focused on issues like Akhand Bharat (reuniting India and Pakistan) and opposing concessions to religious minorities. However, in the 1950s, the BJS remained marginal, winning only a handful of seats in Parliament.
The Congress System
Congress as a Dominant Force
Political competition in the 1950s primarily took place within Congress. The party’s broad-based social coalition, internal factionalism, and ability to accommodate different interests allowed it to dominate the political system. Other parties tried to influence Congress factions rather than compete directly, leading to a political system where Congress effectively acted as both the government and the opposition.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Congress Dominance
Congress’s Inclusive Nature
The Congress system was rooted in its ability to include diverse interests and social groups, which allowed it to dominate Indian politics in the 1950s and early 1960s. However, as Congress's ability to accommodate all interests declined, opposition parties began to gain strength, setting the stage for the future of Indian democracy.
