CHANGING DYNAMICS OF COALITION POLITICS AND NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES IN INDIA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL ADAPTATION AND GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Coalition politics has emerged as one of the most significant features of India's democratic evolution since the late twentieth century. The rise of regional parties, social diversification, electoral fragmentation, and changing voter preferences have transformed the nature of governance and political competition. Coalition governments have compelled national political parties to adapt their ideological positions, electoral strategies, leadership styles, and governance approaches. This study critically examines the changing dynamics of coalition politics in India and analyzes its influence on the behavior and transformation of national political parties. Using a qualitative and analytical methodology, the paper explores the evolution of coalition politics from the post-independence era to contemporary political developments up to 2025. The study highlights how coalition politics has reshaped party systems, federal relations, policy-making processes, and governance structures. Findings indicate that coalition politics has strengthened democratic representation and federalism while simultaneously creating challenges related to political stability, policy coherence, and accountability. The paper contributes to contemporary political science literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of political adaptation and governance under coalition arrangements.