'UPA-Left row exposes weakness in coalition politics'

CHENNAI: The recent confrontation between the UPA Government and the Left over a host of issues has exposed the weakness of coalition arrangements in the country, former Tamil Nadu governor P C Alexander said here on Tuesday.

Speaking at a seminar on 'The Future of Coalition Governments' here, Alexander said the first requirement in coalitions was that the parties concerned should share certain common principles and ideologies and be willing to make adjustments to arrive at a consensus if differences arise.

"All coalition partners should unreservedly accept the primacy of the Prime Minister in matters of governance."
Alexander, who was also an MP, said a constitutional amendment, with provisions for modification like in Germany, was the need of the hour in India.

Alexander was governor of Tamil Nadu from 1988 to 1990 and governor of Maharashtra from 1993 to 2002. During his tenure in Maharashtra, he held additional charge of Goa from 1996 to 1998. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha.