Political Instability in India

Political instability is a global problem. Its nature and patterns have changed significantly due to historical acceleration and the process of modernization in the last one hundred years. Both old and new States have experienced massive disorder, violent changes and sometimes even total break-down of their political system. This study examines the phenomenon of political instability in its proper perspective, delineates the major theoretical approaches to it, assesses their suitability in the Indian context, describes its trends and patterns in Indian States, besides suggesting certain preconditions for political stability.

Dr. Bijender Kumar Sharma (b. 1947), M.A. Ph.D. (Delhi) is a senior lecturer in Political Science, Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi. Currently, he is engaged in a study on “Multipartyism, Coalitions and Patterns of Political Stability: A Comparative Study of Indian and Scandinavian Countries’ Experiences”. He has contributed a number of articles in leading journals of Political Science. Dr. Sharma is Chairman, Centre for the Development of Weaker Societies, New Delhi; President, Bharat Vikas Parishad, New Delhi; Security, Lions Club, Delhi Model Town, Delhi and Treasurer, Sri Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Model Town, Delhi.