To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?

Impact upon functioning & legitimacy of multi party system

1. multi party system was envisioned to provide a voice to any public spirited person

2. Affecting morale of Party workers & supporters (Internal democracy & worker morale)

3. Recognition of meritorious leaders & gradual training to hone them.

4. Improved manifesto & Policy making: Everyone benefits in the long run.

5. Public faith : People participation in voting, Election campaign, etc are directly impacted.

6. Political stability If party leader has proved mettle → lesser contention & Internal strife → stable govt

7. Institutional strength Ultimately, the stature of parliament is impacted by the quality of Inner democracy.

Implications of lack of Internal democracy:

i) Thwarts the youth who wants to contribute to Nation building, specially the more educated ones.

ii) parties often get hierarchized based upon caste, creed, etc. which needs to be breaken down.

iii) It stifles voices from round the country and increase factionalism.

Probable measures :

(i) Ensuring reservation of female posts as candidates for top posts of party.

(ii) ECI should undertake training modules of all parties and release a set of guidelines.

(iii) closed ballot Elections to be monitored by 3rd party (within so that Elections to post of leaders are open to all).

(iv) Ultimately, Public is the final arbiter of openness & vision of Party.