Role of Political Parties in the State Politics of Himachal Pradesh: Change and Continuity

Abstract

Since 1948, after the formation of Himachal Pradesh, Congress party has dominated the state politics till 1977. The elections 1977, held after the emergency period (1975-77), formed a non-Congress government in the state. In the late 1980s, when regional forces emerged in many states, the Indian party system shifted from a competitive party system to a multi-party system. Because of the nominal presence of other parties (national or state), Himachal adopted a rotational bi-party system. Since then, BJP and Congress (both national parties) enjoy hill peoples support. These parties have a significant impact on the state governance, electoral patterns, and political trends. Although there are many other national or small regional parties in the state, but both the national parties (Congress and the BJP) successfully satisfy the heterogeneous needs of the society. Based on secondary sources, the present paper highlights the emerging trends in state politics and continuity of bi-party system in the state.