India chose the parliamentary system of government due to its historical background, diverse social structure, and the need for a stable and accountable governance model. The system ensures representation, flexibility, and smooth power transitions, making it ideal for a large and diverse democracy like India.

1. Colonial Legacy and Familiarity with the System

India inherited the British parliamentary system, which was well-known to its leaders. The Government of India Act, 1935, played a significant role in shaping India’s governance structure, introducing bicameral legislatures, provincial autonomy, and federalism. Since Indian leaders had already worked within this system, transitioning to a parliamentary democracy was a natural choice.

2. Accommodating India’s Diverse Society

India is a multicultural and multilingual country with regional, religious, and ethnic diversity. The parliamentary system ensures that:

• Multiple political parties can participate in governance, allowing regional voices to be heard.
• Coalition governments enable power-sharing among different groups, preventing the dominance of any one party.

This system allows marginalized and minority groups to have a say in policy-making, promoting inclusive democracy.

3. Ensuring Accountability and Responsible Governance

One of the key reasons for adopting a parliamentary system was to ensure that the executive remains accountable to the legislature. This is achieved through:

• Collective responsibility: The Council of Ministers is accountable to Lok Sabha, meaning a vote of no confidence can remove the government.
• Question Hour in Parliament: MPs can question ministers about government policies and decisions, ensuring transparency.

This continuous oversight helps in maintaining responsible governance and prevents the misuse of power.

4. Flexibility and Stability

The parliamentary system allows for flexibility in government formation, particularly in a multiparty democracy like India. Features that contribute to this stability include:

• Coalition governments: If no party secures a majority, alliances like UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) help in forming a stable government.
• Adaptability to political changes: Even if the Prime Minister changes, governance continues without major disruptions, as seen in several coalition governments in India.

This system prevents sudden political instability and ensures governance continuity.

5. Experience of Indian Leaders in Parliamentary Procedures

Before independence, many Indian leaders gained experience by participating in colonial legislative assemblies. Prominent leaders like:

• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• Vallabhbhai Patel

were already familiar with parliamentary debates, legislative processes, and governance procedures. Their preference for this system influenced its adoption in independent India.

6. Preventing Dictatorship and Power Concentration

A parliamentary system prevents the concentration of power in a single individual, reducing the risk of dictatorship. It ensures:

• Distribution of power among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• Checks and balances, such as the requirement for the executive to seek parliamentary approval for major decisions.
• No-confidence motions and regular elections, keeping the government accountable and preventing authoritarian rule.

7. Effective Representation of the People

The parliamentary system ensures that the government remains directly connected to the people. Key factors that enhance representation include:

• Direct elections: Lok Sabha members are elected by the people, ensuring that public opinion is reflected in governance.
• Proportional representation through Rajya Sabha: Rajya Sabha allows states to have a voice in national policy-making.

This structure strengthens democracy and makes governance more participatory.

8. Smooth Transition of Power

A crucial reason for adopting the parliamentary system was its mechanism for peaceful power transition.

• Regular general elections every five years allow for democratic renewal.
• Clear constitutional provisions guide the transfer of power between governments, preventing political instability.
• Election results determine the ruling party, and transitions occur without major disruptions.

This ensures that governance remains stable, democratic, and people-driven.

Conclusion

India adopted the parliamentary system to maintain political stability, accountability, and inclusive representation. Its flexibility, familiarity with Indian leaders, and ability to prevent dictatorship made it the ideal governance model. While challenges like coalition politics and legislative disruptions exist, the system’s ability to accommodate diverse interests while ensuring governance continuity makes it well-suited for India’s democracy.