"Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Context of the 1990s
Rajiv Gandhi’s Leadership Post-Indira Gandhi's Assassination (1984-1991)
After Indira Gandhi's assassination, Rajiv Gandhi took over as Prime Minister, leading Congress to a landslide victory in the 1984 elections. However, by the end of the 1980s, the political landscape changed dramatically, with the Congress party suffering a severe setback in the 1989 general elections.Defeat of the Congress in 1989
In the 1989 elections, Congress’s massive victory in 1984 (415 seats) shrunk to 197 seats, ending the era of what political scientists refer to as the "Congress system". This marked the emergence of a new phase in Indian politics characterized by the decline of one-party dominance.Rise of the ‘Mandal Issue’
One of the most important developments was the decision by the National Front government in 1990 to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations. The Mandal Commission proposed reserving 27% of government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), leading to widespread protests across India, particularly from upper-caste groups. This event transformed caste-based politics, making OBCs a significant political force.Economic Reforms
The economic policy took a radical turn starting in the late 1980s under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership and was further cemented by Narsimha Rao’s government in 1991 with the liberalization reforms. These structural adjustments opened India’s economy to the global market, leading to rapid modernization but also triggering debates over inequality and social justice.Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
The 1990s also saw the rise of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which sought to build a temple at the supposed birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The movement mobilized Hindu nationalist sentiments, contributing to the growth of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and fundamentally altering the discourse on secularism and democracy. This movement eventually led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991)
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in May 1991 by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) while campaigning in Tamil Nadu. This event triggered a major shift in Congress’s leadership, with Narsimha Rao becoming the Prime Minister and implementing economic reforms.
Era of Coalitions
End of Congress Dominance (Post-1989)
The elections of 1989 marked the end of the Congress’s central role in the Indian political system. While Congress remained an important party, it no longer commanded the overwhelming authority it once did. This was the beginning of multi-party competition.Formation of Coalition Governments
The defeat of Congress in 1989 led to the formation of a National Front government, supported by both the Left Front and the BJP but without either party joining the government. This opened the era of coalition governments at the center, characterized by complex alliances between national and regional parties.Coalition Politics Through the 1990s and 2000s
From 1989 to 2014, India saw a series of coalition governments: National Front (1989), United Front (1996), BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA, 1998), and Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA, 2004). During this period, no party was able to secure a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, and regional parties became crucial in forming governments.Return to Single-Party Majority in 2014
The trend of coalition politics was temporarily interrupted in 2014 when the BJP, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, won a majority on its own. This marked the first time in 30 years that a single party had achieved such a feat in Indian politics.
Political Rise of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Mandal Commission and OBC Reservations
The Mandal Commission, formed in 1978, recommended reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. Its implementation in 1990 by the National Front government sparked widespread protests but also strengthened the political mobilization of OBC communities, who began to assert their demands for greater representation.Caste-Based Politics and the Rise of OBC Parties
The Mandal issue became a turning point, leading to the emergence of several regional and caste-based parties. Many of these parties, such as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), gained significant influence by mobilizing OBC voters.
Communalism, Secularism, and Democracy
Rise of BJP and Hindutva
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), formed in 1980, initially focused on Gandhian socialism but later shifted its political platform to emphasize Hindutva, a form of cultural nationalism based on the notion of India as a Hindu nation. The BJP’s rise was closely tied to its involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which called for the construction of a temple in Ayodhya.Shah Bano Case (1985)
The Shah Bano case involved a divorced Muslim woman who won a maintenance settlement from the Supreme Court. However, the Congress government passed a law overturning the court’s decision, triggering accusations of minority appeasement and contributing to the BJP’s rise.Ayodhya and the Babri Masjid Demolition (1992)
The Ram Janmabhoomi movement culminated in the destruction of the Babri Masjid in December 1992, an event that sparked communal riots and further polarized Indian politics along religious lines. This event remains one of the most significant in post-Independence Indian history, with long-lasting implications for secularism and democracy.
Emergence of a New Consensus
Economic Reforms
Although fiercely debated, most political parties eventually accepted the liberalization and market-oriented economic reforms initiated in 1991. This consensus marked a shift from state-led economic development to more private sector-driven growth.Caste-Based Reservations
The Mandal Commission's recommendations, particularly reservations for OBCs, became broadly accepted across the political spectrum. This was a significant development, given the initial resistance and protests.Role of Regional Parties
The distinction between national and regional parties blurred as regional parties gained prominence, especially in coalition politics. They played a central role in both the United Front and NDA governments, reshaping the political dynamics at the national level.Pragmatic Politics Over Ideology
Coalition governments forced parties to move away from rigid ideological positions and adopt more pragmatic approaches to governance. Parties with different ideologies often came together to form coalitions, prioritizing power-sharing over ideological purity.
Political Developments Post-2004
UPA Governments (2004, 2009)
In the 2004 and 2009 elections, Congress returned to power by forming coalitions under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). The UPA governments were characterized by pro-poor policies and social welfare schemes, though they were also marred by corruption scandals.Rise of Narendra Modi and BJP's Return (2014, 2019)
Narendra Modi, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, was projected as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections. The BJP won a decisive victory, securing 282 seats. Modi’s government focused on economic reforms, foreign policy, and social sector initiatives. The BJP repeated its success in the 2019 elections, winning 303 seats.
Growing Consensus and Challenges for the Future
Broad Agreement on Economic Policies
Despite political competition, there is a consensus on continuing the economic reforms that began in 1991. Parties agree on the need for India to become a global economic power, even though there are differences on specific policies.Accommodation of Backward Castes and Regional Parties
Political parties now widely accept the need for reservations for OBCs and have adapted to the growing influence of regional parties in national governance.Focus on Power Sharing Over Ideology
The shift toward coalition politics has led parties to prioritize power-sharing arrangements over ideological alignment. This pragmatic approach has become a hallmark of modern Indian politics.Popular Movements and Civil Society
Alongside formal politics, civil society movements focused on issues like poverty, displacement, and social justice continue to influence the political agenda. These movements challenge the state to address fundamental issues of democracy, justice, and human rights.
