A coalition is a group formed when distinct parties, people, or states unite to achieve a common goal often temporarily.

Now this might seem confusing (it really is), so let’s understand this with an example: sometimes, when you need to take permission from your parents, you take help from your sibling or friend. That’s exactly what a coalition is—when two or more people join hands to get something.

Now imagine this on the scale of a country or even the whole world.
Interesting, right? So, let’s do a deep dive and learn it step by step.

• Coalitions in a Country’s Context (With Special Emphasis on India)

A democratic country is governed by a government elected by adult citizens through elections. The party getting more than 50% of seats gets the chance to form the government.

Here comes the twist: sometimes, no single party is able to get the majority on its own, so the decision comes to a standstill. In such cases, some parties with similar ideologies and motives come together to form a government by attaining a majority collectively due to their total number of seats.

Let’s See This in the Indian Context:

From 2014–2024, BJP was the largest party in India with 282 and 303 seats respectively in 2014 and 2019, allowing it to cross the majority mark of 272 and form a government.

In 2024, things changed as BJP got only 240 seats, making it the single largest party but still far from the majority. Now, before we see what happened next, let’s understand the two major coalitions in India, their motives, and their position in Parliament:

1. NDA (National Democratic Alliance):

    

This is the BJP-led alliance founded in 1998, which has been in power since   2014. It comprises the National People’s Party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal (United), and nearly 20 other parties. They are often associated with a right-wing mentality due to their pseudo-patriotic and straightforward approach.

2. INDI Alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance):

    

This is the Congress-led alliance formed in 2024 with the main motive of defeating the BJP-led NDA, which had been in power for the last decade. It comprises the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Samajwadi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and around 25 more parties. These parties are associated with centrist and leftist ideologies due to their views and principles.

As BJP was unable to single-handedly prove a majority in 2024, NDA became the ruling coalition, having won 293 seats collectively, thereby crossing the 272-mark.

These were the basics of coalitions in the Indian scenario, but we all know you aren’t here for the basics and neither are we!
So, let’s see what you can do as representatives in JSP:

• Don’t Settle for Less: As mentioned above, India has two major pre-existing coalitions which are also present in your committee, but some representatives also belong to independent or non-aligned parties. Try to include them in your coalition as it allows you to increase strength in the committee and helps during private sessions.

• Sometimes Quantity > Quality: Contrary to popular belief, the number of people in an alliance matters a lot, as it is very helpful in passing motions and bills. It becomes easier to prove the majority.

• Lobbying Isn’t Just About Informal Talks: Lobbying with your party and alliance is essential. It not only carries some marks but also gives you an edge over others. If motions are already discussed, it gives your alliance extra time to prepare, and if the motion is adopted, your alliance can easily raise POIs and deliver better speeches.

• Fewer POIs Help Too: As independent candidates can ask questions from both the opposition and the ruling party, they might send a lot of POIs your way, taking up time to answer.

If you include them in your alliance, the need to prepare replies is reduced, and that time can instead be used for research or asking POIs yourself.
(Fun fact: Replies are generally marked on average i.e., total marks for replies ÷ number of replies so fewer replies might actually benefit your average.)

A lot has been told about coalitions, their working, and other topics—but now comes the banger (just like our socials):

HOW TO LEAD THE COALITION:

Becoming the leader of a coalition is a position of responsibility and power, but it also brings a lot of benefits. Let’s see how you can lead the pack:

• Be active from the very first day of lobbying and keep track of the topics being raised to better understand both the committee and your alliance.
• Try to be productive and constructive, rather than just chatting in the group. (Chatting matters, but being too informal might affect your image as a potential leader.)
• Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of all alliance members will help you assign roles and collaborate better.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out to people to join your coalition. Stay in touch with everyone and be ready to help it build a positive image.
• Be vocal, especially during sessions and lobbying, to mark your presence and make an impact.

With all this said, you’re now set to lead the group with confidence and knowledge like no one else.