Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A coalition government is one formed by multiple political parties joining together when no single party secures a clear majority of seats in an election. In the present context of Indian politics, this has become a frequent necessity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A coalition government is necessary in the present context for two main reasons:
1. Proliferation of Political Parties and Fractured Mandates: The era of one-party dominance by the Congress has ended. The rise of numerous regional and state-level parties has led to a multi-party system. In this system, voters' preferences are divided among many parties, often resulting in a 'hung parliament' where no single party wins a majority. In such a situation, forming a coalition is the only democratic way to form a stable government.
2. Representation of Regional Diversity and Aspirations: Coalition governments provide a platform for regional parties to participate in national-level governance. This ensures that the diverse interests, cultures, and aspirations of different regions and states are represented in the central government's policies. This strengthens federalism and national unity by giving a voice to regional concerns.
Step 3: Final Answer:
In the current multi-party political landscape of India, coalition governments are necessary to form a stable government in the absence of a clear electoral majority for any single party, and they also serve to better represent the country's vast regional diversity.