Party Elite Networks and Ideological Compatibility in Pre-electoral Coalition Formation: Comparative Insights from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (1998–2023)

This article examines pre-electoral coalition (PEC) formation in Indian states through a novel framework integrating party elite networks with ideological compatibility. Analysing data from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (1998–2023), the study reveals that shared caste backgrounds and party experiences among party elites significantly influence PEC formation. The research identifies distinct regional patterns: Maharashtra’s polity-wide coalition landscape prioritizes ideological compatibility, with party elite networks in a supporting role; Tamil Nadu’s state-based party coalitions are primarily determined by party elite networks, with minimal ideological influence; and Uttar Pradesh exhibits a hybrid model where both party elite networks and ideological compatibility are crucial due to competition between polity-wide and state-based coalitions. These findings advance coalition politics literature by demonstrating how party elite networks and ideological compatibility differently impact PEC formation across varied state-level party systems while highlighting the critical linkage role of party elites in coalition architecture.