Question

"One party dominance did not affect the very essence of Indian democracy." Justify the statement with any two arguments.

Hint:

One-party dominance does not necessarily undermine democracy as long as democratic practices like elections and opposition are maintained.

Answer 1

1. Institutionalization of Democracy: Despite one-party dominance in early years, especially under the Congress Party, democratic institutions like elections, the judiciary, and the parliament were strengthened. These institutions acted as a check on the concentration of power.
2. Periodic Elections and Competition: India continued to have regular elections, and political competition remained a feature of Indian democracy. Even when one party dominated, opposition parties played a crucial role in highlighting the shortcomings of the ruling party and mobilizing public opinion.
Thus, even during periods of one-party dominance, Indian democracy remained robust due to institutional checks and political competition.