Regional allies driving a hard bargain will test Modi's skills in running a coalition Govt like never before

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has emerged as the most potent coalition to form the next Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Central to its strength is the support of regional parties for maintaining a parliamentary majority. Nevertheless, the hard bargaining by these allies, though politically essential for them, affects the Government's policy formulation exercise and the nation's progress. The NDA's regional allies, such as the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and others, are engaging in intense negotiations to secure their interests. The JD(U) has already demanded a special status for Bihar while Naidu has a long list of demands. Coalition Governments, by their very nature, are unstable and we have had a long history of coalitions that failed to complete their term. Regional parties serve as the voice of their respective States, advocating for localised interests that might otherwise be overlooked in the Union Government's broader agenda. This ensures a more inclusive approach to governance, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of different parts of the country. However, this hard bargaining can have several negative implications for policy making. The need to accommodate the diverse, and sometimes conflicting, demands of various regional partners can lead to fragmented policies. Instead of a coherent national strategy, policies may become a patchwork of compromises, weakening their overall impact. Prolonged negotiations and the need to achieve consensus among coalition partners can slow down the decision-making process.

No doubt coalition Governments have played a significant role in governance, especially in the 1990s. One of the most notable coalition Governments was led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who not only faced numerous challenges but also set a precedent for future coalition politics in India. Vajpayee's Government was an alliance of more than 20 parties, each with its agenda and demands. Managing such a diverse coalition required significant diplomatic skill and often led to compromises on policy decisions. Following the nuclear tests, India faced international sanctions, which posed a significant challenge to the economy. The Government had to navigate these sanctions while continuing to pursue economic growth and development. The Kargil conflict with Pakistan in 1999 was another major challenge for the Vajpayee Government. The conflict tested the Government's ability to manage national security issues while maintaining internal political stability. The Government's response to the 2002 riots was seen as inadequate by many, raising concerns about the coalition's ability to address communal harmony and human rights issues. It was only Vajpayee's leadership and statesmanship that pulled off a near-impossible feat and completed full term. It remains to be seen if Modi can do the same.