Ques: ‘In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to
have emerged among most parties.’ Describe any three in detail.
Ans: In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to have
emerged among most parties. This consensus consists of four elements.
1. Agreement on new economic policies –
The new economic policies were initiated by the Congress Party in 1991 which paved way
for liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation in India.
Though many groups are opposed to these new economic policies, most political parties are
in support of the new economic policies.
Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of
economic power in the world.
Since 1991 till date, there has been a consensus among parties to continue these policies.
2. Acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes
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. It was widely opposed by many and created violent protests
But since then, almost all political parties have recognised that the social and political
claims of the backward castes need to be accepted. As a result, all political parties now
support reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment.
Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs get adequate share of power.
3. Acceptance of the role of State level parties in governance of the country
With the end of the Congress System and rise of coalition era, the distinction between State
level and national level parties has become less important.
State level parties are sharing power at the national level and have played a central role in the
country’s politics of last thirty years. The prominent National Parties’ alliances such as NDA,
UPA, INDIA etc all have involved regional parties
4. Emphasis on pragmatic considerations
Emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliances
without ideological agreement – coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties
from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements.
For ex- Most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet,
they came together to form a government and remained in power for a full term.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance INDIA is a coalition of 27 political
parties in who may not be having any ideological alliances.
QUES: Describe the major developments in Indian politics since 1989.
ANS: Since 1989, the country witnessed five developments that were to make a long-lasting
impact on Indian politics
1. Decline of Congress and Rise of Coalition Politics
1989 Elections: Congress lost its dominance, receiving only 197 seats, marking an
end to what was known as the ‘Congress system.’
Coalition Governments: Following the 1989 elections, coalitions like the National
Front emerged with support from contrasting groups like the BJP and the Left Front.
This coalition model has remained significant in Indian politics ever since, leading to
an era of multi-party participation at the Centre, in which regional parties played a
crucial role in forming ruling alliances. The NDA, UPA, INDIA all alliances followed
this model.
2. Mandal Commission and Caste-Based Politics
Mandal Commission Report (1990): The Commission advised that ‘backward
classes’ should be understood to mean ‘backward castes’. The Commission found that
these backward castes had a very low presence in both educational institutions and in
employment in public services. It therefore recommended reserving 27 per cent of
seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. This sparked
intense debate and protests.
The Mandal issue heightened awareness among OBCs, leading to new political
alignments and the rise of caste-based political mobilizations.
The Supreme Court’s decision in the Indira Sawhney case upheld the OBC
reservations, solidifying caste-based reservation policies.
3. Economic Liberalisation and New Economic Policies
Economic Reforms (1991): The new economic policies were initiated by the
Congress Party under Prime Minister Narsimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan
Singh, in 1991 paved way for liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation
redirecting India towards a market-driven economy.
These policies have been widely criticised by various movements and organisations.
But the various governments that came to power in this period have continued to
follow these.
4. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Ayodhya Issue
The centuries old legal and political dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in
Ayodhya started influencing the politics of India which gave birth to various political
changes.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Movement, becoming the central issue, transformed
the direction of the debate on secularism and democracy.
These changes ended in the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya following the
decision of the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on November 9, 2019