Abstract

Prime Ministerial Authority in Coalition Governments: The Case Study of Narendra Modi

Surinder Kumar, Dr. Rajdeep Kaur

Volume: 16 Issue: 2 2026

Abstract:

Coalition governments often impose structural constraints on executive leadership, requiring negotiation, compromise, and power-sharing among multiple political actors. However, the case of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India presents a compelling departure from conventional expectations of coalition-era governance. This paper examines the extent and nature of prime ministerial authority under Modi, particularly in the context of coalition dynamics led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Despite heading a coalition, Modi has demonstrated a high degree of centralization in decision-making, attributed to his party's dominant electoral mandate, strong leadership persona, and effective control over party machinery. The study explores how institutional factors, such as cabinet structure and party discipline, interact with personal leadership style to shape executive authority. It also analyses key policy decisions, including economic reforms and national security measures, to assess whether coalition pressures have significantly influenced governmental outcomes. The findings suggest that while coalition partners remain relevant, their impact on core policy directions has been limited, thereby reinforcing the Prime Minister's authority. This research contributes to the broader discourse on executive power in parliamentary democracies by highlighting how electoral dominance within a coalition framework can recalibrate traditional power-sharing norms, enabling a strong prime ministerial model even in ostensibly pluralistic political arrangements.

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