There are three factors which determine the effectiveness of coalition governments in India (“Is coalition government worse than single-party rule?”, May 17). One, the alliance should be of likeminded parties, at least on critical issues. Two, it should be led by a leader who has wide appeal across the nation. Three, post-election alliances are not only detrimental to the proper functioning of a government, but are a mockery of democracy as parties that fight against one another come together to form the government later. If the coalition is formed on a pre-election agenda, it would add to its strength and longevity.
Y.G. Chouksey,
Pune