Working of the Indian Constitution Within the Framework of Modern Political System

The Indian Constitution establishes a democratic framework grounded in justice, equality, and representation, combining political, social, and economic objectives. While early decades were marked by consensus-based governance and nation-building under a dominant party system, the political landscape shifted after the 1960s toward fragmentation, populism, and identity-based mobilization. The rise of caste, regional, and community politics—intensified by policies like the Mandal Commission—led to coalition politics and a fragmented polity. Despite concerns over instability, these trends reflect increased political participation and the assertion of marginalized groups. The central challenge remains balancing identity-based demands with national integration while ensuring that political empowerment leads to genuine socio-economic development.