AUTONOMY AND PERFORMANCE OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CONGRESS VS. NON-CONGRESS RULE

Abstract

This research paper presents a comparative assessment of the efforts made by Congress and non-Congress governments in establishing and preserving democratic values ​​in Indian politics. Within the context of India's complex democratic journey, this study examines the fundamental question of whether the nature of the ruling party (a long-dominant single party versus short-lived coalition parties) has shaped the trajectory of the country's democratic institutions, federalism, civil liberties, and social justice.
The research aims to conduct a historical-comparative analysis of major periods of governance from the 1950s to the present, utilizing primary and secondary data on constitutional amendments, center-state relations (particularly the use of Article 356), and civil liberties cases.
Preliminary findings suggest that while Congress rule often prioritized stability and centralized development, events like the Emergency represented a nadir in the erosion of civil liberties. On the other hand, non-Congress or coalition governments often placed greater emphasis on federal diversity and electoral reforms, but their policies sometimes exhibited risks of ideological polarization and institutional instability.
This research sheds light on the evolutionary patterns of Indian democracy and concludes that the establishment of democratic values ​​is not the sole domain of any single party, but rather a result of the changing nature of governance priorities and political accountability over time. This study will make a significant contribution to policymakers and scholars in understanding the future trajectory of Indian governance.