Traditional linkages and primordial loyalties remain a constitutive factor in pressure group politics in India. Most of them are linked to some or the other party and called ‘parties behind the parties.
Their importance has grown with mounting pressure on the political system and fragmentation of dominant party system. However, their role has not been praiseworthy.
They have often created chaotic situation and paralyzed the fate of governments. But, under contemporary trends of liberalization the pressure groups are bound to take a fresh look. They are expected of rising above vested interest and promote the interests that are hailed as genuine and commensurate with ethos of the polity.
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The pressure groups have lost their credibility and popular sympathy due to their negative role. However, some of the pressure groups like the FICCI have adopted positive outlook to fulfill the interest of their members.
However, the pressure groups in India have not only influenced the formulation of public policies but also the whole political process.
Many times, they have forced the government to consider their demands and genuine problems. In a way, they have acted as effective limitations on government’s arbitrariness.
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In conclusion it can be said that while in Britain and U.S.A., the pressure groups entertain moderate, secular and constitutional objectives, in India there is importance of extra legislative and even extra- constitutional methods.
Not only the legislature but other institutions of the government remain the focal point of their target. They do not always play the game behind the curtain but have become more demanding and assertive.