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Indian politics is a fascinating and dynamic subject, reflecting the nation’s immense diversity and its status as the world’s largest democracy. The political system is a federal parliamentary republic, where power is divided between the central government and the governments of its 28 states and 8 union territories. The framework is defined by the Constitution of India, a comprehensive document that establishes a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.”
At the national level, the political structure is modeled on the Westminster system. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament), is the head of government and holds the executive power. The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha, whose members are directly elected by the people, and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house), which represents the states. This system ensures both representation of the populace and a voice for the states in the national legislature.
The Indian political landscape is characterized by its multi-party system, which includes a few major national parties and a multitude of regional parties. This diversity often leads to coalition governments, both at the state and central levels. Elections, overseen by the independent Election Commission of India, are a cornerstone of Indian democracy, held regularly and on a massive scale. Despite its enduring democratic traditions, Indian politics also faces significant challenges, including issues of corruption, caste and religious tensions, and the influence of money in elections. Nevertheless, the system’s resilience, its vibrant media, and the active participation of its citizens in the democratic process are testaments to its strength and ongoing evolution.
