The Congress's state units largely consisted of multiple factions, leading to the appearance of a grand centrist party. Other political parties primarily sought to exert influence over these factions, indirectly shaping policy and decision-making from the sidelines. These parties functioned as pressure groups, continually pressuring, criticizing, censuring, and influencing the Congress. They did not present themselves as alternatives to the ruling party but rather sought to influence it. Within the Congress, the system of factions acted as a balancing mechanism, fostering political competition. Consequently, during the initial decade of electoral competition, the Congress simultaneously functioned as both the ruling party and the opposition. This period in Indian politics is often referred to as the "Congress system."

What term is commonly used to describe the political period characterized by the Congress's simultaneous roles as the ruling party and the opposition?

Congress system.

Within the Congress, the system of factions acted as a balancing mechanism, fostering political competition. Consequently, during the initial decade of electoral competition, the Congress simultaneously functioned as both the ruling party and the opposition. This period in Indian politics is often referred to as the "Congress system."

More about "Congress System":

The Congress system was a period of political dominance by the Indian National Congress during the initial decade of electoral competition.
It was characterized by accommodative politics and internal factionalism within Congress.
During this time the Congress party simultaneously functioned as the ruling party and the opposition due to its coalition like nature.
The Congress system accommodated various factions and interests within the party, ensuring stability and unity.
Other parties aimed to influence the Congress rather than directly challenge its dominance.
The Congress system declined in the 1980s due to internal divisions, the rise of regional parties, and the emergence of new political forces.