HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 07: Model Answer

Question: We have seen dominance of regional parties in many states of India, but in Himachal Pradesh, there is domination of only national parties. (4 Marks, 60 Words)

Introduction:

Himachal Pradesh is a small state and people are mostly inclined towards two major political parties of India i.e. Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. There are 4 Lok Sabha constituencies in Himachal Pradesh. The state’s Legislative Assembly has 68 seats. From last 25 years, there has been a record victory of only these two political parties. Regional political parties have probably less or no significance in the Himachal politics. People have a tendency of playing game with these political parties, by voting alternatively to either of the parties in each and every election.

Politics in Himachal Pradesh broadly has been bipolar for about 40 years with the Congress and the BJP being the chief contenders. Reasons behind domination of two-party system:

a)           Historical: In old Himachal there is domination of Congress party (due to Praja Mandal merging with Congress) and in new Himachal, BJP is in the dominating position (due to influence of RSS on Punjab Hill states)

b)           Political: There is very smaller number of legislative assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh which is responsible for non- development of strong third front as we have seen in U.P or Bihar. Also, national parties can help Himachal Pradesh in releasing funds for future growth and development.

c)           Social: Culturally , Himachal Pradesh is united due to dominance of one religion and one language which restrict the growth of regional parties.