Era of coalition politics may return, says Advani

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani on Sunday did not rule out return of an era of coalition politics in India, saying this was possibile in a country as “diverse and variegated” as it.

Advani gave his assessment on the possibility of the return of coalition politics at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading a full majority government.

“I would not say that. I still believe that a country as diverse and variegated as India may throw another coalition government again,” Advani told CNN-IBN when asked whether he thought that the era of coalition politics or coalition government is over in India.

Advani said in a country like India everyone should be prepared for all eventualities.

“It’s not very common to have a government of a kind which is single party as was there in the earlier years of (post) Independence or even Vajpayee’s own government. For some time it was virtually not a coalition government. It can be anything. In a country like India you should be prepared for all eventualities,” he said.

On other issues, Advani said it would be very appropriate and befitting for a patriot like former Prime Minister and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee if he is bestowed Bharat Ratna.

Speculations are rife that Vajpayee may be conferred with the country's highest civilian honour on the occasion of his birthday on December 25. Advani was among the first persons to suggest that Vajpayee be given the Bharat Ratna.

Advani also said he did not believe that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was not aware of the constitutional provisions allowing for declaration of Emergency that was imposed in 1975.