THE ERA OF COALITIONS

• END OF THE CONGRESS SYSTEM-the defeat of the Congress party in the elections held in
1989. The party that had won as many as 415 seats in the Lok Sabha in 1984 was
reduced to only 197 in this election. The Congress improved its performance and came
back to power soon after the mid-term elections held in 1991. But the elections of 1989
marked the end of what political scientists have called the ‘Congress system’.

ALLIANCE

• The United Front government that came to power in 1996. The United Front was similar
to the National Front of 1989 for it included Janata Dal and several regional parties. This
time the BJP did not support the government. The United Front government was
supported by the Congress. This shows how unstable the political equations were. In
1989, both the Left and the BJP supported the National Front Government because they
wanted to keep the Congress out of power.

AN ERA OF MULTI-PARTY SYSTEM

• Our Parliament always had representatives from several political parties. What
happened after 1989 was the emergence of several parties in such a way that one or
two parties did not get most of the votes or seats. This also meant that no single party
secured a clear majority of seats in any Lok Sabha election held since 1989 till 2014. This
development initiated an era of coalition governments at the Centre, in which regional
parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.

MCQ

[Link] Janata Party is rebirth of which of the following political party?

(a) Bhartiya Jana Sangh
(b) Bahujan samaj party
(c) Samajwadi party
(d) Shiv sena
Ans:(a) Bhartiya Jana Sangh

[Link] of the following statement is untrue about the Congress party since 1989
[Link] Congress remained an important party
b. Ruled the country more than any other party
c. Lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system
d. The Congress Party does not believe in joining alliances
[Link] in chronology
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] Front
[Link] Front
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

HOTS

Picture Based Questions

Question 1.
Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions

(i) Who was head of the Government formed by the National Front in 1989?
(ii) Why was the government formed by him called a puppet government?
(iii) Identify the puppeteers pulling the strings and the political parties they belong to. (All
India 2016)
Answer:
(i) VP Singh was the head of the government formed by the National Front in 1989.
(ii)
(a) Because, the strings of this government were in the hands of other leaders.
(b) They were moving and controlling the government like a puppet by pulling the strings.
(iii)
(a) The puppeteers pulling the strings were Jyoti Basu and LK Advani.
(b) Jyoti Basu (CPM) and LK Advani (BJP).

Question 2.
Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions
(i) Identify any four national leaders from the above cartoon and mention the serial number
of each.
(ii) Which was the most controversial issue of the period related to leader No.2 as Prime
Minister of India?
(iii) What was the position of the party led by leader No. 1 in the Lok Sabha elections of
1989? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(i) VP Singh, LK Advani, Chandrashekhar and Devi Lai.
(ii) V P Singh
(iii) The party led by leader No-1 get only 197 seats in the Lok Sabha election of 1989.

SA

1. Name the two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre in
1989 and 1996 respectively.

2. Identify anyone similarity between the United Front Government of 1996 and
the National Front Government of 1989.

3. Which two diametrically opposite political groups supported the National

Front Government in 1989?

4. Political equations in coalition governments are unstable. How was this

concept reflected in the formation of the National Front Government in 1989 and the United
Front Government in 1996?

[Link] the two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996
respectively. (All India 2014)
Answer:
Two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre are

 National Front – 1989

 United Front – 1996

[Link] which year did the era of coalition governments at the centre begin in India? (Delhi
2013)
Answer:
The era of coalition government at the centre begin in India since 1989.
[Link] which year did the Congress party win 415 Lok Sabha seats? Who became the Prime
Minister at that time? (Delhi 2012, 2011)
Answer:
Congress party won 415 seats in the Lok Sabha election in 1984. And Rajiv Gandhi became
Prime Minister at that time.

[Link] any two effects of the Election 1989 on the politics of India. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Two effects of Election of 1989 on Indian Politics are :

1. The end of ‘Congress system’ i.e. loss of the kind of centrality it enjoyed in the party
system earlier.
2. The beginning of coalition politics in Indian political system.

.
[Link] does a coalition government mean? Mention any one example of such a
government. (All India 2013)
Answer:
When two or more parties join hands together to form a government is known as coalition
government. eg-UPA, NDA etc. In 1977, the first coalition government was formed.

[Link] was the change in the electoral performance of the Congress party and BJP from
1984-2004? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The change in the electoral performance of the Congress and BJP from 1984-2004 is as
under :

 The BJP had gained the electoral performance from two seats to 138 seats.
 The political competition during the 1990s is divided between the coalition led by BJP
and Congress. Congress lost its seats from 415 to 145.

[Link] equations in coalition governments are unstable. How was this concept reflected
in the formation of National Front Government in 1989 and United Front Government in
1996? (All India 2012)
Answer:
In 1989, the coalition government began in India and many political parties shared the
government at the centre. This political phenomena clearly reflects political instability and
uncertainly.

United front was formed to keep out Congress from government. It was formed in 1996 with
the support of BJP and Left front. HD Deva Gowda was Prime Minister of United front and
after him IK Gujral became the Prime Minister.

[Link] is meant by ‘coalition’? During which period did this type of government gain
popularity for the first time at the centre in India. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When two or more political parties join their hands together form a government, that type of
government is called a Coalition Government. In 1977 coalition government gain popularity
for the first time.
LA

Question 1.
In what way do the coalition governments prove to be more democratic than the one-party
governments? (All India 2015)
OR
When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India? (Delhi 2012)
OR
Explain the impact of coalition governments on India politics. (Delhi 2011)
OR
What is alliance politics? How has it influenced the Indian politics? (All India 2011)
OR
How far is it correct to say that coalition government in India has helped in arriving at some
consensus? (Delhi 2009)
OR
Describe any two advantages and two disadvantages of coalition government in India. (Delhi
2009)
Answer:
When two or more parties join hands together to form a government is known as coalition
government, e.g UPA, NDA etc.
Two advantages of coalition government are as follows :

 Dominance of one party is minimised.

 More than one ideologies come together and gives strength to democracy.

Two disadvantages of coalition government are as follows :

 It gives unstable government.

 It slows the process of policy-making.

Question 2

Describe the emergence of the coalition government in India. (All India 2009)
OR
“After the election in 1989, an era of coalition started in which political parties are not
aligning or re-aligning on the basis of ideologies”. Explain. (HOTS; All India 2008)
Answer:
Undoubtly, in the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or re-aligning
on the basis of ideology. The main basis of their aligning with one or the other party is to
safeguard their own interest and to frustrate their opponents.

The best example was of Dr Manmohan Singh’s government where the leftists supported the
UPA but in state both are opponents. The main interest was to keep out BJP from
government. Same condition occurred in Bihar, when BJP and Janata Dal formed government
to keep out RJD.

At the centre, UPA and NDA generally do these things and hence, it could be said that
political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideology.
For features of coalition government on the basis of ideologies

Three features of coalition government has been given in which we have to understand the
not aligning and re-aligning on the basis of ideologies. These are :
 1. Unstable government The coalition government has its own interest and they fight for
their own self interest. This leads to the breakup of not only of various fronts, but of
governments as well.
2. Political opportunism Government formed on the basis of coalition becomes selfish, as
opportunist, power hungry and unscrupulous politicians focus on the self interest only.
3. Lack of polarisation The coalition governments are formed not on the basis of
polarisation of political forces, but for the sake of capturing power and vested interest.
There have been no sincere urge even among the parties of same ideology for political
polarisation.

Question3.
A two-party system is considered as the best form for a democratic system. India, on the
other hand, has a multi-party system. Assess the advantages of the multi-party system in
India. (All India to 2008)
Answer:
Two party systems is required for successful democracy. However, the multi-party system
have the following advantages:

1. No place for dictatorship Even if a party enjoys full majority, it can not function as
dictator. The multi-party system provided a democratic government. Hence, if the
largest party try do so then other parties will withdraw their support.
2. Multiple choice of voters Since 1989 elections, voters have choices about whom they
want to cast their votes. This is another advantage of multi-party system.
3. True reflection of public opinion Parliament is the reflection of people. In case of multi-
party systems. Parliament becomes a true reflector of people because diversity of
culture, language are noticeable in Parliament.
4. Possibility of stable government There is government majority in Parliament and
Council of Ministers work according to the majority. This restricts Parliament not to pass
no-confidence motion. Hence, mulit-party system is comparatively stable.
5. Passing of bills Bills favouring people are passed by the Parliament and it is a coalition
government which always asks its member parties to do so.
6. Check the division of the two camps The two-party system leads to two camps. But the
multi-party system checked the two hostile camps. It is rather a cementing force
between groups of divergent loyalties.

Question 4.
“The regional parties have started playing an important role in the Indian politics”.
Comment. (HOTS: Delhi (C) 2008)
Answer:
India as democracy has the multi-party system which means there are several political
parties competing for power. Apart from the primary parties, each state has their own local
political parties that rule and compete in their region.

Regional parties play following roles in Indian politics :

1. In absence of clear majority, the largest party has to join hands with a regional party in
order to form government. This is where the importance of the regional parties comes
into play.
2. Most of the regional parties have agenda furthering certain culture dominant within
that state.
3. The regional parties for their benefits divide the people of different states on the line of
language, culture, traditions etc.
4. Sometimes serious issues like India’s foreign policy’ are influenced and compromised
by regional parties. This affects India’s credibility in international politics.
 5. They also work as a pressure groups in Indian politics.
6. Sometimes regional parties influence the central government to divert more annual
budget funds to their states at the expense of other states.

Question 5.
Describe the era of multi-party system in India after 1989. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Elections in 1989 led to the defeat of the Congress party but did not result in a majority
for any other party. Though Congress was the largest party in the Lok Sabha, it did not
have a clear majority.

The defeat of the Congress party marked the end of Congress dominance over
the Indian partysystem.

Way back in the late sixties, the dominance of the Congress party was challenged; but
the Congress under the leadership of Indira Gandhi managed to re-establish its
predominant position in politics.

The nineties saw yet another challenge to the predominant position of the Congress. It
did not, however, mean the emergence of any other single party to fill in its place. Thus,
began an era of a multi-party system.

To be sure, a large number of political parties always contested elections in our country.
Our Parliament always had representatives from several political parties. What happened
after 1989 was the emergence of several parties in such a way that one or two parties
did not get most of the votes of seats.

This also meant that no single party secured a clear majority of seats in any Lok Sabha
election held since 1989. This development initiated an era of coalition governments at
the Centre, in which regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.

The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties and movements that
represented the Dalit and backward castes (Other Backward Classes or OBC). Many of
these parties represented powerful regional assertion as well.

CASTE IN INDIA

• Adhering to Article 340 of the Constitution of India, the First Backward Classes
Commission was set up by a presidential order on 29 January 1953 under the
chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar. It is also known as the First Backward Classes
Commission, 1955 or the Kaka Kalelkar Commission.

• The article 340 of the Indian Constitution lays down conditions for the appointment of a
Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes. The President may by
order appoint a Commission comprising of such persons that he thinks fit to investigate
 the conditions and background of socially and educationally backward classes that lies
within the territory of India.

The term ‘OBC’ refers to the administrative category ‘Other Backward Classes’. These are
communities other than SC and ST who suffer from educational and social backwardness. These
are also referred to as ‘backward castes’

THE BEGINNING OF CASTE POLITICS

• THE MANDAL ISSUE -the new National Front government in 1990, implemented the
recommendation of the Mandal Commission that jobs in central government should be
reserved for the Other Backward Classes. This led to violent ‘antiMandal’ protests in
different parts of the country. This dispute between the supporters and opponents of
OBC reservations was known as the ‘Mandal issue’

• Political commentator Yogendra Yadav referred to this trend as a second democratic

upsurge- the rise of regional and farming lobbies in the mid 60s being the first

The support for the Congress among many sections of the ‘backward castes’ had declined. This
created a space for non-Congress parties that drew more support from these communities.
Many of the constituents of the Janata Party-of 1977, like the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and the
Samyukta Socialist Party, had a powerful rural base among some sections of the OBC

• Demand politics took yet another turn with the rise of [Link] Mr. Clean who in
1987 launched the Jan Morcha and won the lok sabha by-election in Allahabad in 1988

• Later he developed the National Front of 7 parties including the Janta Party, Lok Dal ,Jan
Morcha ,which later fromed the Janta Dal. In 1989 managed to form a aminority govt
with outside support from the BJP

• It was during the tenure of Janata Party government in 1977-79 that the demand for
reservations for backward castes in north India and at the national level was strongly
raised. Karpoori Thakur, the then Chief Minister of Bihar, was a pioneer in this direction.
His government had introduced a new policy of reservations for OBCs in Bihar.

• This was the second time since Independence that the government had appointed such
a commission. Therefore, this commission was officially known as the Second Backward
Classes Commission. Popularly, the commission is known as the Mandal Commission,
after the name of its Chairperson, Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal.
 • The Mandal Commission was set up to investigate the extent of educational and social
backwardness among various sections of Indian society and recommend ways of
identifying these ‘backward classes’. It was also expected to give its recommendations
on the ways in which this backwardness could be ended. The Commission gave its
recommendations in 1980. By then the Janata government had fallen. The Commission
advised that ‘backward classes’ should be understood to mean ‘backward castes’, since
many castes, other than the Scheduled Castes, were also treated as low in the caste
hierarchy

• This decision sparked agitations and violent protests in many cities of north India. The
decision was also challenged in the Supreme Court and came to be known as the ‘Indira
Sawhney case’, after the name of one of the petitioners.

THE SUPREME COURT RULING

• The Supreme Court of India which had laid down that reservation of posts must be
below 50 per cent, the proposed reservation for OBCs had to be fixed at a figure, which
when added to 22.5 per cent for SCs and STs, remains below the cap of 50 per cent. In
view of this legal constraint the Commission was obliged to recommend a reservation of
27 per cent only for backward castes.

• Backward classes in Article 16(4) were not like as socially and educationally backward in
article 15(4).

• Creamy layer must be barred from the backward classes.-"creamy layer" (the forward
section of a backward class, above a certain income

• Article 16(4) grants characterization of backward classes into backward & more
backward classes.

• A backward class of citizen can't be distinguished just and solely with reference to
financial criteria.

• Reservation should not exceed 50%.

IMPACT OF THE MANDAL COMMISSION

• It was out of BAMCEF that the subsequent Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti and
later the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.
 • This was the first time in independent India that a political party supported mainly by
Dalit voters had achieved this kind of political success.

• Indira Sahney case – struck down provision for resources on economic basis

MCQ

Who was the Chairman of Mandal commission? a) B. N. Mandal b) B. P. Mandal c) D. L. Mandal d) R. N.

Mandal Ans B [Bindheswari Prasad Mandal (1918-1982) served as the chairman of the Second Backward
Classes Commission (popularly known as the Mandal Commission). The commission’s report mobilised a
segment of the Indian population known as “Other Backward Classes” (OBCs) and initiated a fierce
debate on the policy for under respected and under privileged groups in the Indian polity.]

[Link] among the following was the Prime Minister of the country when the Mandal
commission was constituted

[Link] Desai

b. Indira Gandhi

c. [Link]

[Link] Gandhi

3. Which of the following criteria has been the basis for identifying backward classes in the
Mandal Commission?

a. Caste and economic backwardness

b. Social,educational and economic backwardness

c. Social and political backwardness

d. All the above

[Link] are the communities other than SC and ST who suffer from educational and social
backwardness. Choose the correct statement/s in this regard.
1. Karpoori Thakur, was a pioneer in raising voice for reservations for backward castes in North
India.
2. Mandal Commission was the first Backward Class Commission since Independence, appointed by
Central Government.
3. The decision to implement Mandal Commission recommendation was challenged in the Supreme
Court in the famous ‘S R Bommai Case’.
Code:
a) 1 and 2 b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 3 d) 1 only
5. BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organization based on
pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that ‘Bahujans’ constituted the majority
of population, and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers. Which
of the following constituted ‘Bahujans’?
1. Scheduled Casts
2. Scheduled Tribes
3. Other Backward Casts
4. Minorities
Code:
a) 1 and 2 b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 1, 2 and 4 d) All of the above

HOTS

Study the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
In fact, the BSP under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation based on
pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans (SCs, STs OBCs and
religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population and were a formidable
political force on the strength of their numbers.

1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram?

2. Give the full form of BSP.
3. Name any two religious minorities.
4. Why are the Bahujans considered a formidable political force?

SA

[Link] the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). (Delhi 2011)

Answer:
The name of founder of Bahujan Samaj Party was ‘Kanshi Ram’.

[Link] was the Mandal Commission ? When was it appointed? (Delhi to 2008)
Answer:
The Mandal Commission was set-up on 1st January, 1979 to determine the criteria of
identifying the socially and educationally backward class.

[Link] and Re-write the following (All India (C) 2008)

In 1987 the Backward and Minority Federation (BAMCEF) was formed.
Answer:
In 1978, the ‘Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) was
formed.

[Link] was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommendation made by
him/her. (Delhi 2014)
OR
Highlight any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Mandal Commission was established in India in 1979 by the Janata party government. Under
the Prime Minister Moraiji Desai. The two recommendations of the Mandal Commission are
as follows :

 27 per cent of the posts in public services should be reserved for other backward
classes.
 Welfare programmes specially meant for OBCs should be financed by the Government
of India.

[Link] any two arguments in favour of reservation for the SCs, STs and OBCs in higher
education institutions in India. (All India 2011)
Answer:
The two arguments in favour of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs in higher education
institutions in India are as follows :

 The backward classes had very low representation in educational institutions.

 The employment in public offices also had very low representation of the backward
classes.

[Link] are the causes responsible for the political rise of other Backward
Communities in India ?
Ans:

 In the 1980s, the Janata Dal brought together a similar combination of political
groups with strong support among the OBCs.
 The decision of the National Front government to implement the recommendations of
the Mandal Commission further helped in shaping the politics of "Other Backward
Classes".
 The intense national debate for and against reservation in jobs made people from the
OBC communities more aware of this identity.
 This period saw the emergence of many parties that sought better opportunities for
OBCs in education and employment and also raised the question of the share of
power enjoyed by the OBCs.
 These parties claimed that since OBCs constituted a large segment of Indian society,
it was only democratic that the OBCs should get adequate representation in
administration and have their due share of political power.

LA

1. What was the mandal commission?What was the court’s order with reference to the
same?
2. What was the impact of the Mandal Commission?
THE STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROG.

• changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since Independence.

• These involved liberalisation and privatisation as per the norms set up by the WTO and
IMF

INDIA AND SECULARISM

• THE ADVENT OF RELIGION IN POLITICS-the demolition of the disputed structure at

Ayodhya (known as Babri Masjid) in December 1992 symbolised and triggered various
changes in the politics of the country and intensified debates about the nature of Indian
nationalism and secularism. These developments are associated with the rise of the BJP
and the politics of ‘Hindutva’.

EMERGENCE OF THE BJP FROM BHARTIYA JANA SANGH

• It embraced ‘Gandhian Socialism’ as its ideology. The BJP pursued the politics of
‘Hindutva’ and adopted the strategy of mobilising the Hindus. The BJP pursued the
politics of ‘Hindutva’ and adopted the strategy of mobilising the Hindus.

• Everyone must not only accept India as their ‘fatherland’ (pitrubhu) but also as their
holy land (punyabhu). Believers of ‘Hindutva’ argue that a strong nation can be built
only on the basis of a strong and united national culture. They also believe that in the
case of India the Hindu culture alone can provide this base.

• The first was the Shah Bano case in 1985. In this case a 62-year old divorced Muslim
woman, had filed a case for maintenance from her former husband.

• AYODHYA DISPUTE- The Babri Masjid was a 16th century mosque in Ayodhya and was
built by Mir Baqi – Mughal emperor Babur’s General. Some Hindus believe that it was
built after demolishing a temple for Lord Rama in what is believed to be his birthplace.
The dispute took the form of a court case and has continued for many decades.

IMPACT OF THE EPISODE

• A debate about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes began

 • The Secular nature of Indian politics was questioned

• Non B.J.P parties collected together against B.J.P

• Secularism became the electoral agenda for most parties

• Hindu- Muslim unity was threatened

CURRENT POLITICAL DEVLOPMENTS-EVENTS OF 1990

• ECONOMIC REFORMS-Liberalisation, globalisation, devlopment and privatisation

• Investments through FII and FDI

• Age of technology

• MAY 1996-BJP- 13 DAY GOVT;14 PARTY UF GOVT-DEVE GOWDA;MARCH 1997-16 PARTY

UF GOVT-I.K GUJRAL

• FEB 1998- BJP -182 SEATS-11-13 MAY-POKHRAN TESTS-US SANCTIONS;APRIL1999-GOVT

FELL

• SEPT-OCT 1999- NDA ;MAY-JULY 1999-KARGIL;FEB 2002-GODHRA-57 HINDU

VOLUNTEERS RETURNING FROM AYODHYA BURNT ALIVE FOLLOWED BY 2000 KILLED IN
GUJARAT A ND LAKHS LEFT HOMELESS

• APRIL 2004- MANMOHAN SINGH GOVT-attributed to dissatisfaction among the poor;

rejection of hindu National agenda;emergence of a third front- an amalgam of regional
parties

• NOV 2008-26/11-Manmohan Singh –the first to return to power after Nehru

• Decimation of the Congress

• 2014-Rise of Modi

• Resurgence of participatory democracy-Anna Hazare. Radical use of

RTI,DEMONETISATION AND GST

• Politics reflects the concerns of the vocal middle class

• Rise of AAP

• BJP extending to the north- east – Assam

MODI 2014

The Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi got an absolute majority in
the Lok Sabha elections held in May 2014 and after nearly 30 years in Indian politics, a
strong government with an absolute majority was established at the Centre. Though
called NDA III, the BJP-led coalition of 2014 was largely different its predecessor
coalition governments. Where the previous coalitions were led by one of the national parties,
the NDA III coalition was not only steered by a national party, i.e., BJP it was also dominated
by BJP with an absolute majority of its own in Lok Sabha. It was also called a ‘surplus
majority coalition’. In that sense a major transformation could be seen in the nature of
coalition politics which could be seen from one party led coalition to one party dominated
coalition.

• Foreign policy is the product of both geog and history, but it is the zeal and personality
of Modi is stamped in the foreign policy . His challenge being to become a substantive
global power and a great democracy

• His personality- gift of communication skills, grasp of strategically targetted image

building and his innate assertiveness

• THE NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY-for a more integrated and interconnected

future ;hubris of Pakistan’s generals and inteligence operatives is a constant
challenge ,hence sustainable diplomacy must be assisted by continued and effective
deterrence ensured

• The challenge is then to work for movazaneh, the Persiaan word for balance and
equilibirium within S outh Asia

• Catalysing South Asian regional Asian regional cooperation in trade ,economy and
infrastructure to achieve the idea of SOUTH ASIAN COMMONS

• LINKING CENTRAL ASIA VIA IRAN-

• India must work to build Afghanistan and its capacity to strengthen the training of
Afghan defence forces and their air force capability

• Chabahar port in Iran-for trade and transit and a vital point of access for energy exports
from the region and facilitating a re- imaging of historical geographies that linked India
and Central Asia
 • BUILDING AN INDO-PACIFIC CENTRE-Act East Policy . As K.M .Panikkkar said”the future
of India will undoubtedly be decided by the sea”. Modi’s visit to Mauritius,
Seychelles ,Fijiand Srilanka define maritime policy in the Indian Ocean .these will also
help to build ties with ASEAN , development of bilateral and regional ties with Africa

• TIES WITH CHINA- Development of CBM ,regular leadership level dialogues and
exponential growth of trade and commercial ties. Cooperation and competition

• ASEAN- shared security and shared prosperity

• It is in India’s foreign policy interest to evolve a regional architecture and to fulfill Modi’s
vision of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region

• Maritime security trade ,investment ,education and cultural heritage,sustainable

economic growth and ensure stable environment

Eco development since 2014

• Deregulating the prices of natural gas ,kerosene

• Remove govt support price for [Link]

• Reform bankruptcy laws

• Increase foreign investment in construction ,insurance ,defence ,retail, coal-mining ,e-

commerce

• GST which replaces a plethora of ad –hoc taxes and serves as a comprehensive indirect
tax on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods and services

• Indian diaspora-25- 30 million people of Indian origin across the world with estimated
70 billion US dollars in global remittances

• As a provider of aid – US $ 1.6 billion in aid were allocated in the 2015-16 budget for aid
in the form of bilateral assistance-63% being to Bhutan to develop hydro electric
power, which is in turn exported to India at cheap rates

• Expanding aid to African a South east Asian nations reflecting South- South cooperation

17TH LOK SABHA- 2019

• NDA- 352; BJP-303

• UPA-95;INC-52
 • OTHERS-95;TMC-22;BJD-12;TRS-9;SP+BSP-15;YSR CONG-22;OTHERS-15

• KEY FACTORS IN WINNING-COMPLETE CONSOLIDATION IN BJP STRONGHOLD;

FLEXIBILITY WOTH ALLIANCE PARTNERS DESPITE IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCE ;EXPLOITING
ANTI-INCUMBENCY IN REGIONS WHERE BJP DID NOT DOMINATE

• The 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the 17 th since independence, once again brought back
BJP led NDA [NDA IV] to the centre of power by winning more than 350 seats out of
543. The BJP on its own won 303 seats in Lok Sabha, the biggest number any single
party has won in the lower house since 1985 when Congress swept the elections in
the aftermath of Mrs Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Based on the tumultuous success
of the BJP in 2019, Social Scientists have started equating the contemporary party
system with the ‘BJP System’ where an era of one party dominance, like the
‘Congress System’ has once again started appearing on the democratic politics of
India.

ISSUES OF DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE

A major change in Indian politics after 2014 is the shift from caste and religion based politics to
development and governance oriented politics. With its pre-intended goal Sabka Saath,
Sabka Vikas, the NDA III Government started several socio-economic welfare schemes to

make development and governance accessible to the masses such as - Pradhan Mantri
Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jan-Dhan Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram
Jyoti Yojana, Kisan Fasal Bima Yojna, Beti Padhao, Desh Badhao, Ayushman Bharat
Yojana, etc.

All these schemes intended to take administration to the doorstep of the common man
by making the rural households, particularly the women, real beneficiaries of the Central
Government schemes. The success of these schemes could be seen from the results of 2019 Lok
Sabha elections where the voters across states – castes, classes, communities, gender and
regions brought back the issues of development and governance to the centre stage under the

BJP led NDA Government characterizing the current change with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and
Sabka Vishw

MCQ

[Link] the names of any of the following Prime Ministers in the chronological order
keeping in mind the period of their Prime Ministership. (All India 2010)
(i) Chandrashekhar
(ii) Narasimha Rao
(iii) HD Deve Gowda
(iv) IK Gujral
(v) VP Singh
Answer:
[Link] order for the period of their Prime Ministership
(i) VP Singh
(ii) Chandrashekhar
(iii) Narasimha Rao
(iv) HD Deva Gowda
(v) IK Gujral

Question 5.
“The end of Eighties of the 20th century witnessed developments which made a long lasting
impact on Indian parities”. Assess any three such developments, (HOTS; Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The end of eighties of the 20th century witnessed major development which have lasting
impact on Indian politics, are as follows:
(i) End of Congress system
mean dominance of Congress for two decades. But the most important event was the defeat
of Congress party in the 1989’s elections. The party had won only 197 seats, which was very
low in comparison to 1984 elections where party won 415 seats.

Congress boosted up its performance and finally it came back to power in 1991, after Rajiv
Gandhi’s assassination. But the elections of 1989 marked the end of what political scientists
have called the ‘Congress system’. Congress remained as major party but it lost its
dominance as it enjoyed earlier in the party system.

(ii) Mandal issue

The Mandal issue started with the National Front Government’s decision to implement the
recommendations of Mandal Commission in 1990. The recommendation was that 27 per
cent of job in the Central Government should be reserved for other backward classes’s
candidates only. Thus, it brought widespread agitation and anger. This conflict between
supporters and opponents of OBC reservation was popularly called ‘Mandal issue’. It played
a crucial role in shaping politics since 1989.

(iii) New economic reforms

The new economic reforms were announced as the structural adjustment programme. These
reforms were initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, but these were more visible in Narismha Rao’s
Government in the year 1991. These reforms faced many criticism, but the upcoming
governments have continued to follow these reforms.

Question 3.
Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions
(i) Why is the girl shown in the cartoon not worried about whether it is a single party or a
coalition government?
(ii) Does a coalition government involve more compromises and why?
(iii) Do you think we can have bold and imaginative policies in a coalition government and
why? (All India 2010)
Answer:
(i) She is not worried about whether it is a single party or a coalition government rather she
is worried about the work the parties do for the progress of the country.
(ii) Yes, coalition government involves more compromises because different ideologies come
together in a coalition.
(iii) Yes, to make a coalition stronger we can have bold and imaginative policies in a coalition
government.

Question 4.
The National Front Government led by VP Singh was supported by the Left (represented here
by Joyti Basu) as well as the BJP (represented by LK Advani) Delhi 2009

Look at the cartoon given above carefully and answer the following questions
(i) Does the cartoon refer to a puppet government?
(ii) Describe the role of such a government in the Indian democratic setup.
(iii) What is meant by ‘Support the Government from outside’?
Answer:
(i) Yes, the cartoon refers to a puppet government.
(ii) The role of a puppet government in the Indian democratic set-up can be
  The government may become unstable.
 It will weaken the functioning of democratic set-up.
 Generally compromises are made on the policy decisions.

(iii) Support from outside means to support the functioning and process of the government
without joining or becoming a part of the government.

SA

Question 1.
Name the two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996
respectively. (All India 2014)
Answer:
Two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre are

 National Front – 1989

 United Front – 1996

Question 2.
From which year did the era of coalition governments at the centre begin in India? (Delhi
2013)
Answer:
The era of coalition government at the centre begin in India since 1989.

LA

Question 1.
Describe any three points of consensus that emerged among most political parties in India in
spite of severe competition and conflicts. (All India 2015)
OR
Highlight any three issues on which a broad agreement has emerged among most of the
political parties in India. (All India 2013)
OR
In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to
have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points of consensus. (All India 2012)
OR
Explain any three elements of consensus which have emerged among most political parties
after the Lok Sabha elections of 2004. (All India 2011)
OR
‘Inspite of serious differences between major national political parties, emergence of new
consensus is being viewed with interest’. In the light of this statement describe any three
consensus. (HOTS: Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Inspite of serious differences between major national political parties emergence of new
consensus is being viewed with interest in the light of statement as following :
1. Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes
Most of the political parties accepted the adequate representation. As a result, all political
parties supported reservation for OBCs in education and employment. Political parties even
want to ensure that OBCs get their due share of power.

2. Role of state-level parties

The role of state-level parties in governance of the country has been recognised. The gap
between centre and state level parties decreased. State level parties are sharing power at
central level and have become crucial for the survival of country’s politics in the last two
decades.

3. Focus on pragmatic consideration

Coalition politics has shifted political alignments from ideological differences to power-
sharing agreements. Governance is based on pragmatic consideration and political alliances
take no rigid ideological positions. Thus, the alliance with BJP was formed called NDA in spite
of BJP Hindutva. The NDA government lasted for its full term in office.

Question 2.
Which three major developments took place in Indian politics during the last decade of the
20th century? Describe. (All India 2015)
OR
“Towards the end of the 1980s, five major changes took place in Indian political system.” In
light of this statement, examine any three changes. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
For major development in Indian politics towards the end of 1980s, country saw five major
development which are as follows (any four) :
1. End of Congress system mean dominance of Congress for two decades. But the most
important event was the defeat of Congress party in the 1989’s elections. The party had
won only 197 seats, which was very low in comparision to 1984 elections where party won
415 seats.

The Congress boosted up its performance and finally it came back to power in 1991, after
Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. But the elections of 1989 marked the end of what political
scientists have called the ‘Congress system’, congress remained as major party but it lost its
dominance as it enjoyed earlier in the party system.

2. Mandal Issue The Mandal issue started with the National Front government’s decision to
implement the recommendations of Mandal Commission in 1990. The recommendation was
that 27 per cent of job in the Central Government should be reserved for other backward
classes’s candidates only.

Thus, it brought widespread dismay and anger. This conflict between supporters and
opponents of OBC reservation was popularly called ‘Mandal issue’. It played a crucial role in
shaping politics since 1989.

3. New Economic Reforms The new Ans economic reforms were announced as the
structural adjustment programme. These reforms were initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, but these
were more visible in Narsimha Rao’s Government in the year 1991. These reforms faced
many criticism, but the upcoming governments have continued to follow these.
4. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi There was a change in leadership due to assassination
of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. He was assassinated during his election campaign in Tamil
Nadu by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE. The elections of 1991 witnessed Congress
party emerging as the single largest [Link] death of Rajiv Gandhi led to the
appointment of Narsimha Rao as the Prime Minister.

5. Ayodhya Issue The Ayodhya issue was started with the demolition of Babri Masjid in
December, 1992. This, incident led to violence and many questions were raised about the
nature of Indian nationalism and secularsm. This issue exemplified and provoked various
changes in the politics of the country and guided the rise of the BJP and the politics of
Hindutva.

Question 3.
Coalition government is a bane or boon for democracy in India’. Explain any three
arguments in support of your answer. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Coalition government is a boon because :

1. Participation of regional parties at national level State level parties played a

crucial role in the country politics for last twenty years. Therefore the differences
between state-level parties and central parties is decreasing day-by-day.
2. Spirit of adaptation Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from
ideological distinctions to power sharing accommodation. We can see in the
government of NDA that most of the parties did not agree with the ideology of Hindutva
of BJP. However, they allied with BJP to form a government for a full term completion.
3. Inclined towards one consensus Various radical parties opposed the new economic
policies, but some parties came to support new economic policies because they
believed that these policies would lead the country towards prosperity and raise its
status all over the world. Coalition government is a bane for democracy in India
because of three reasons:

 Unstable government The coalition government has its own interest and they
fight for their own self-interest. This leads to the breakup not only of various fronts
but of governments as well.
 Political opportunism Government which is formed on the basis of coalition
becomes selfish as opportunist power hungry and unscrupulous politicians
emphasise on their self-interest only.
 Lack of polarisation The coalition governments are formed not on the basis of
polarisation of political forces, but for the sake of capturing power and vested
interest. There have been no sincere urge even among the parties of same
ideology for political polarisation.

Question 4.
From 1989 to 2004, there have been nine coalition governments in India. Analyse the rise
and fall of any two such coalition governments. (Delhi 2010)
OR
“The era of coalition in India started in 1989, which has come to stay in a big way.” Do you
agree? Substantiate your answer by any three arguments. (HOTS; All India 2010)
Answer:
The era 1990s witnessed the emergence of strong political parties, regional parties through
several issues viz OBC, Dalit etc. These parties formed government through alliances. Such
alliance were United Front, National Front in 1996 and 1989 respectively.
Coalition from 1989 to 2004
Some parties had Congress support and formed alliance in 1996 called United Front. In
1989, BJP and Left supported National front.

In 1989, BJP and Left wanted to keep the Congress out of power, hence, both supported
National Front and later in 1996, Congress wanted to keepout BJP from the power.
Therefore, it supported United front and Left supported Congress in 1996. The alliance
government did not succeed for long because BJP continued to strengthen its position in the
elections of 1991 and 1996. The BJP was the single largest party in 1996 parliamentary
election.

In 1996, BJP was invited to form the government, but most of the political parties opposed
its policies consequently it could not secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha Elections, 2004

In 2004 elections, the Congress party came to power with the new alliance known as United
Progressive [Link] was a coalition in a big way. NDA was defeated and installation of
another coalition led by DR. Manmohan Singh occurred. The UPA received support from
DMK, PMK, AIADMK, RJD, NCP, TRS and left from Andhra Pradesh etc.

The 2004 elections also saw the partial revival of Congress party as it increased its seats
compared to 1996 elections. However, there was a little bit difference between the votes
polled by the Congress and its allies and the BJP and its allies in 2004 elections. Thus, the
party system has taken another form suddenly from what it was till the seventies.

After the 1990s, the political process has been changed and it led to emergence of broadly
four groups of parties:

 The Congress supporting parties that made coalition with Congress.

 The BJP allying parties
 Left front parties
 Some other parties which were not part of the above three

Explain the reforms in the Foreign Trade Sector.

1. Reforms in Foreign Trade Sector: The following measures have led to the
liberalisation of India’s foreign trade sector to open it to the global economies :
1. The Export-Import (EXIM) Policy of 1991 freed import-export trade from the
shackles of non-bulk and non-capital goods imports to exports through a market
mechanism of freely tradeable Exim scrips.
2. In August 1991, 6 import items were decanalised and put under Open General
Licence (OGL), while other 14 items of imports were decanalised and allowed to
be imported through Exim scrips.
3. In September 1991, exports of 63 items mostly chemicals and metal products
were decanalised. Similarly, 17 items of exports were shifted from banned or
restricted categories for exports to the OGL category.
4. The EXIM policy of 1992 substantially liberalised the foreign trade regime. The
imports of capital goods, raw materials, intermediate goods and components
were virtually freed import licensing. The tariff on such imports was reduced
substantially. The 1992-93 Union Budget brought down the peak import duty rate
to 110 percent from that of 150 percent.
5. Unfixed market-determined exchange rate system was made effective from
March 2, 1993. This led to full convertibility of rupee on Current Account of
Balance of Payments. Under this system, the export earning and inward
remittances were made convertible into rupee at the market-determined
exchange.
6. The exchange control system was considerably liberalised. The authorised dealers
in foreign exchange could supply of exchange at market rates without any ceiling
for six purposes: business travel, study tour studies abroad, overseas conferences
and seminars, medical checkup and specialised apprenticeship/ training.
7. The EXIM Policy, 1992-97 further advanced the process of trade by shifting the
increasing number of items OGL to allow their imports freely. By April 1997, 6649
items were made freely importable.
8. Under WTO agreement, the Quantitative Restrictions (QRs) have been removed
on 3334 items of imports from April 1st, 1996 to April 1, 2001.
9. The 1993-94 Union budget scale down peak import duty rate from 110 percent to
85 percent. It was further brought down to 65 percent in 1994-95. In the
successive Union Budgets peak rate of import duty was reduced. In 2002-2003,
the peak rate of import duty was reduced from 40 percent in 1999-2000 to 35
percent. The low rate of import duty could enable the imports of raw material,
capital goods and components at a lower level cost. It would make Indian
products competitive in the world market.
10. The EXIM Policy introduced a new scheme from April 1st,2000 for the
establishment n f Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in different parts of the country
with a view to providing an internally competitive and hasten free environment
for export production and export promotion.
11. The import of second-hand capital goods of less than 10 years old has been
allowed without obtaining any license on surrender of Special Import Licence.

1. Which of the following High court gave the verdict against the prime minister
Indira Gandhi on 12th June 1975 and she lost her membership of the Loksabha
1971.
1. Supreme court
2. Patna High court
3. Delhi High court
4. Allahabad High court
2. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.

3. What was Godhra episode? What were its after-effects?

4. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from
1984-2004?

5. In the given political map of India, four places have been marked as A, B, C
and D. Identify them with the help of information given below and write their
correct names in the answer book along with their serial numbers and the
alphabets concerned.

1. The State associated with Narmada Bachao Andolan.

2. The State which merged with the Indian Union in 1975.
3. The State related to ‘Operation Blue Star’.
4. The State whose one of the important leader was Lai Denga.
6.
 Class 12 – Political Science (Ch-9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics)
Answer

2.
4. Allahabad High court
Explanation: Allahabad High court cancelled the result of the general election
1971 and withdrew the membership of the Loksabha of Indira Gandhi.
3. The two incidents of violence against the minority community which are a threat to
democracy are:
4. Violent Anti- Mandal Protest(1990).
5. Godhra Incident(2002).
4. The two alliances-fronts that formed the government at the centre were the National
Front, 1989 (which itself was an alliance of Janata Dal and some other regional
parties) and the United Front,1996.
5. The United Front was similar to the National Front of 1989 for it included Janata Dal
and several regional parties. In 1996 left continued to support the Non- Congress
Government but this time the Congress, supported it, both the Congress and the left
wanted to keep the BJP out of power.
6. In 1989 the National Front Government received support from two diametrically
opposite political groups were the BJP and the Left front.
7. In 1989, the coalition government began in India and many political parties shared
the government at the center. This political phenomenon clearly reflects political
instability and uncertainty.
The United Front was formed to keep out Congress from the government. It was
formed in 1996 with the support of BJP and Left Front. With the approval of the
Congress and CPI(M), the sitting Chief Minister of Karnataka was asked to be the
Prime Minister after V.P. Singh and Jyoti Basu declined. HD Deva Gowda was Prime
Minister of United front and then after him, IK Gujral became the Prime Minister.
8. In February-March 2002 large scale violence took place against Muslims in Gujarat
because:
4. At Godhra station, a bogey of Sabarmati Express train was set on fire which was
full of Karsevaks. They were returning from Ayodhya.
5. Suspecting the hand of Muslims in setting fire to the bogey large-scale violence
against Muslims began in Gujarat from the next day.
9. The four groups emerged in the 1990s were:
4. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance).
5. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance).
6. Left front parties (Left Parties).
7. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).
10. In February-March 2002, large scale violence took place against Muslims in Gujarat.
At Godhra station, a bogey of Sabarmati Express train was set on fire which was full
of Karsevaks. They were returning from Ayodhya. Suspecting the hands of Muslims in
setting fire to the bogey large-scale violence against Muslims began in Gujarat from
the next [Link] outcomes of these riots were:
 4. This violence continued for almost a whole month. Nearly 1100 persons, mostly
Muslims were killed.
5. The National Human Rights Commission criticised the Gujarat Government’s role
in failing to control this communal violence, providing relief to the victims and
prosecute the perpetrators of this violence.
6. The Election Commission of India ordered are assembly elections to be
postponed.
11. Performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984-2004 were:
4. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get a majority.
Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition.
5. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by the left front
and BJP from outside.
6. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 the Congress emerged as the
single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK.
7. In 1996, the BJP minority government was formed for a short period. Later in June
1996 United Front with the support of Congress formed the Government and H.D.
Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to
power to rule till March 1998.
8. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA
(National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and
regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support.
9. In the elections, of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United
Progressive Alliance) came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime
Minister.
12.
4. The organization formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram was the Bahujan
Samaj Party (Bahujan Samaj Party).
5. The full form of BSP is the Bahujan Samaj Party.
6. Religious minorities of BSP are Sikhs and Muslims.
7. The Bahujans is considered as a formidable because it derived its confidence from
the communities such as SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes) and
OBCs (Other Backward Classes), which form the majority of the population.
13.
4. (C) Gujarat
5. (A) Sikkim
6. (D) Punjab
7. (B) Mizoram.
Question 10.
What was the Ayodhya dispute? (Delhi (C) 2008)
Answer:
Ayodhya dispute was a dispute between the Hindus and the Muslims over a mosque in
Ayodhya known as Babri Masjid.
Question 11.
2 Marks Questions

Question 7.
What is Ayodhya dispute? Explain. (Delhi 2011)
OR
When was the disputed structure in Ayodhya demolished? How was the State. Government
punished? (Delhi, 2008)
Answer:
On 6th December, 1992 the disputed structure of Ayodhya i.e Babri Masjid was demolished.
The BJP government of Uttar Pradesh was dismissed and a case was registered against the
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in Supreme Court for contempt of court.

Question 8.
What was the main reason for the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002? (All India 2011; Delhi
2011)
Answer:
In February-March 2002 large scale violence took place against Muslims in Gujarat because

1. At Godhra station a bogey of Sabarmati Express train was set on fire which was full of
Karsevaks. They were returning from Ayodhya.
2. Suspecting the hand of Muslims in setting fire to the bogey large-scale violence against
Muslims began in Gujarat from the next day.

4 Marks Questions

Question 2.
When was the Mandal Commission set-up? Describe any two recommendations of this
commission. (Delhi 2015)
OR
How was the main recommendation of Mandal Commission? How was it implemented?
(Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Mandal Commission was set-up by the new National front government in 1990.
The two recommendations of the Mandal Commission are as follows :

 27 per cent of the posts in public services should be reserved for other backward
classes.
 Welfare programmes specially meant for OBCs should be financed by the Government
of India.

Question 4.
Describe any four major developments in Indian politics since 1989. (Delhi 2015)
OR
Describe any two developments witnessed by India after 1990. (All India 2011)
OR
Describe briefly any four main developments, witnessed by the country from 1989 to 1992.
(All India 2008)
Answer:
Towards the end of 1980s, country saw five major development which are as follows (any
four) :
1. End of Congress system mean dominance of Congress for two decades. But the most
important event was the defeat of Congress party in the 1989’s elections. The party had
won only 197 seats, which was very low in comparision to 1984 elections where party won
415 seats.

The Congress boosted up its performance and finally it came back to power in 1991, after
Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. But the elections of 1989 marked the end of what political
scientists have called the ‘Congress system’, congress remained as major party but it lost its
dominance as it enjoyed earlier in the party system.

2. Mandal Issue The Mandal issue started with the National Front government’s decision to
implement the recommendations of Mandal Commission in 1990. The recommendation was
that 27 per cent of job in the Central Government should be reserved for other backward
classes’s candidates only.

Thus, it brought widespread dismay and anger. This conflict between supporters and
opponents of OBC reservation was popularly called ‘Mandal issue’. It played a crucial role in
shaping politics since 1989.

3. New Economic Reforms The new Ans economic reforms were announced as the
structural adjustment programme. These reforms were initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, but these
were more visible in Narsimha Rao’s Government in the year 1991. These reforms faced
many criticism, but the upcoming governments have continued to follow these.

4. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi There was a change in leadership due to assassination

of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. He was assassinated during his election campaign in Tamil
Nadu by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE. The elections of 1991 witnessed Congress
party emerging as the single largest [Link] death of Rajiv Gandhi led to the
appointment of Narsimha Rao as the Prime Minister.

5. Ayodhya Issue The Ayodhya issue was started with the demolition of Babri Masjid in
December, 1992. This, incident led to violence and many questions were raised about the
nature of Indian nationalism and secularsm. This issue exemplified and provoked various
changes in the politics of the country and guided the rise of the BJP and the politics of
Hindutva.

Question 6.
‘In the new era of coalition politics political parties are not aligning on the basis of ideology’.
Explain. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Three features of coalition government has been given in which we have to understand the
not aligning and re-aligning on the basis of ideologies. These are :

1. Unstable government The coalition government has its own interest and they fight
for their own self interest. This leads to the breakup of not only of various fronts, but of
governments as well.
2. Political opportunism Government formed on the basis of coalition becomes selfish,
as opportunist, power hungry and unscrupulous politicians focus on the self-interest
only.
3. Lack of polarisation The coalition governments are formed not on the basis of
polarisation of political forces, but for the sake of capturing power and vested interest.
There have been no sincere urge even among the parties of same ideology for political
polarisation.
Question 7.

6 Marks Questions

[Link] the outcome of the "Assam Accord" of 1985.

Ans:
Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between Rajiv Gandhi-led government and the AASU leaders.
The main motive of Assam Accord agreement is to :

 Identify foreign migrants who came to Assam after Bangladesh war and deport them.
 The AASU leaders and the Asom Gana Sangram Parishad organised themselves as a
regional political party called Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and came to power in 1985
promising people to build Golden Assam by resolving the foreign national problem.

.Why was the Mandal Commission setup? What was its main recommendations?
(Chapter 9 : Recent Developments in Indian Politics)
Ans:
The Mandal Commission was set up to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness
among various sections of Indian society and recommend ways of identifying these "backward classes".
Its main recommendations were :

 Reserving 27 per cent of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for
these groups.
 Land reform, to improve the conditions of the OBCs.