Chapter 11 – Era of One-Party Dominance
Q1. What does ‘one-party dominance’ mean in Indian politics?
It refers to the Indian National Congress winning major elections and ruling for decades after independence with little opposition at the national level.
Q2. Why did Congress dominate the early Indian elections?
Because of its role in the freedom struggle, strong leadership, grassroots organisation, and appeal to diverse social groups across India.
Q3. What was the first general election of India?
Held in 1951–52, it was the world’s largest democratic exercise, introducing universal adult suffrage and electing the first Lok Sabha.
Q4. How did Congress win the 1952 elections?
It secured 364 of 489 seats, forming the government due to its national appeal, leadership, and role in independence.
Q5. What was the nature of opposition in early Indian democracy?
The opposition was weak, fragmented, and regional, but still played a crucial role in questioning government policies and safeguarding democracy.
Q6. Name three opposition parties during Congress dominance.
- Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Bharatiya Jana Sangh
- Socialist Party
Q7. What was the ideology of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh?
Founded in 1951, it promoted cultural nationalism, uniform civil code, and integration of Jammu & Kashmir with India.
Q8. What were the aims of the Socialist Party?
It supported socialism, land reforms, and a strong welfare state, opposing Congress’s economic and social policies.
Q9. What was the stance of the Communist Party of India (CPI)?
It followed Marxist ideology, supported workers’ rights, and land redistribution, and sometimes opposed Congress through electoral alliances and protests.
Q10. What was the significance of Congress’s social base?
It had support from all sections—upper castes, Dalits, Muslims, farmers, and industrialists—ensuring broad political consensus.
Q11. How did internal democracy function within the Congress?
In the early years, Congress had active internal debates, multiple leaders, and democratic practices, although over time it became more centralised.
Q12. What role did Jawaharlal Nehru play in Congress’s dominance?
Nehru’s leadership, vision, and popularity ensured electoral success, helped shape policies, and maintained political stability post-independence.
Q13. What is a dominant party system?
A system where one party dominates elections over a long period without banning opposition, like Congress in early India.
Q14. Was India a one-party system?
No. India had a dominant party system with active opposition and free elections, not a one-party system like China.
Q15. What was the Congress’s vision of development?
It supported planned economic development, industrialisation, public sector growth, land reforms, and reducing inequality through a mixed economy.
Q16. How did linguistic reorganisation affect party politics?
It led to the rise of regional parties, but Congress adapted and remained dominant by accommodating local interests and alliances.
Q17. What was the role of Congress in state politics?
Congress dominated state politics too, though opposition emerged earlier in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Q18. How did Congress manage caste and community differences?
By including leaders from diverse backgrounds and forming alliances, Congress ensured representation and reduced polarisation.
Q19. What was the 1967 general election’s importance?
Marked the end of absolute Congress dominance; opposition formed governments in several states, and Congress’s seat share declined.
Q20. What is a coalition government?
A government formed by multiple political parties when no single party gets a clear majority, common after the decline of Congress dominance.
Q21. What led to Congress’s decline post-1967?
Factionalism, economic problems, rising opposition, and growing dissatisfaction with one-party rule led to erosion of support.
Q22. What was ‘Congress System’ as described by Rajni Kothari?
A term to explain Congress’s central role in Indian politics, where it acted like a system with opposition inside and outside the party.
Q23. What was the role of the media in early Indian democracy?
It supported democratic values, reported fairly, and allowed diverse political opinions, helping in the growth of political awareness.
Q24. What was Nehru’s attitude towards opposition?
He welcomed opposition, valued debate, and encouraged democratic practices, setting the tone for India’s pluralistic politics.
Q25. What was the significance of regional parties post-1960s?
They began representing state-specific issues like language and development, challenging Congress’s national dominance and reshaping Indian federalism.
Q26. How did Congress maintain unity despite differences?
Through consensus politics, inclusive leadership, accommodating demands, and balancing modern and traditional interests.
Q27. Was Congress’s dominance harmful to democracy?
No. Despite dominance, India had free elections, active media, judiciary, and civil liberties that kept democracy alive.
Q28. What were the internal challenges within Congress?
Factionalism, leadership struggles, and ideological differences created splits and weakened the party over time.
Q29. How did Congress handle criticism?
Early Congress tolerated opposition voices and encouraged public debate, though this declined in later decades under more centralised leadership.
Q30. What is the legacy of Congress’s one-party dominance?
It stabilised Indian democracy, built institutions, and enabled economic planning, but also delayed emergence of strong opposition and alternative policies.