Correct Option
The correct option is 1, 2 and 3.
Explanation
In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of the government. However, the extent of the Prime Minister's authority is significantly influenced by the nature of the majority in the Lower House. In a coalition government, where no single party has a majority, the dynamics of decision-making shift from Prime Ministerial dominance to a model based on consensus and negotiation.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: In a coalition government, the Prime Minister relies on the support of multiple political parties to maintain a majority in the Lok Sabha. Consequently, the Prime Minister cannot decide policies unilaterally, as doing so risks the withdrawal of support from coalition partners, which could lead to the collapse of the government.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Policy formulation in coalition setups often involves the creation of a "Common Minimum Programme" (CMP) or similar frameworks. Policies are framed after extensive negotiations, bargaining, and compromises among allies to accommodate diverse ideologies and regional interests.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The pre-eminence of the Prime Minister is most visible in a single-party majority government. In a coalition era, the Prime Minister's discretion in selecting ministers and shaping policy is constrained by the demands of alliance partners. This leads to an erosion of the Prime Minister's absolute authority compared to a single-party majority scenario.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: Coalition politics transforms the Prime Minister's role from a dominant leader to a consensus builder, restricting unilateral decision-making power and necessitating adherence to "coalition dharma" for government stability.