Coalition governments in India: 1952–1966

Congress Party emerged as the single largest political formation during freedom struggle at the national landscape. Obviously, the Congress obtained substantial majority in the Lok Sabha elections in the first two decades in the post-independence era. However, several regional parties had significant foothold in the provincial politics. As a result, coalition governments were formed in a number of states during 1952–1966. This paper provides an overview of the functioning of coalition governments in the country during the said period.