12 NCERT CBSE Political Science:
Recent Developments In Indian Politics
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemeRecent Developments in Indian Politics (Post-1989)
Subject CategoryPolitical Science / History
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions focus on the major political, economic, and social shifts in India since 1989, emphasizing the end of single-party dominance, the rise of coalition politics, significant policy changes, and socio-religious movements. Questions are designed to test recall and understanding of these transformative developments.
Which election marked the end of what political scientists called the 'Congress system'?
Hint: Think about the election where the Congress party's long-standing dominance began to significantly wane.
Answer
The 1989 Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress party was defeated, are identified as marking the end of the 'Congress system'.
Explanation
The text states that 'the elections of 1989 marked the end of what political scientists have called the 'Congress system'', despite Congress remaining an important party.
What was the primary characteristic of the end of the 'Congress system' after 1989?
Hint: Consider what changed about the Congress party's position in the overall political landscape.
Answer
The end of the 'Congress system' meant the Congress party lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed, not that it disappeared or lost all power.
Explanation
The text clarifies that 'to be sure, the Congress remained an important party... But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system.'
Which government decided to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission in 1990?
Hint: Recall which government was in power around 1990 when the 'Mandal issue' first gained prominence.
Answer
The National Front government, formed in 1990, decided to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'Second development was the rise of the ‘Mandal issue’ in national politics. This followed the decision by the new National Front government in 1990, to implement the recommendation of the Mandal Commission.'
What was the primary objective of the Mandal Commission, as described in the text?
Hint: Focus on the core mandate of the commission, particularly its target beneficiaries.
Answer
The Mandal Commission was set up to investigate educational and social backwardness and recommend ways to improve the conditions of backward classes.
Explanation
The text states: '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.'
When did the new economic reforms, also known as the structural adjustment programme, become very visible in India?
Hint: Look for the specific year mentioned when these economic changes became prominent.
Answer
The new economic reforms, initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, became very visible in 1991.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Started by Rajiv Gandhi, these changes first became very visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since Independence.'
How did the new economic reforms initiated in 1991 change the direction of the Indian economy?
Hint: Consider the long-term impact of these reforms on India's economic path.
Answer
The new economic reforms radically changed the direction of the Indian economy from its previous trajectory since Independence.
Explanation
The text states that these changes 'radically changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since Independence.' This implies a significant departure from previous policies.
What significant event occurred in 1986 concerning the three-dome structure at Ayodhya?
Hint: Recall the legal development in the mid-1980s that opened up access to the disputed site.
Answer
In 1986, the Faizabad district court ruled to unlock the structure at Ayodhya, permitting people to worship there.
Explanation
The text says: 'In 1986, the situation regarding the three-dome structure took a significant turn when the Faizabad (now Ayodhya) district court ruled to unlock the structure, allowing people to worship there.'
How did the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement transform the direction of discourse on secularism and democracy in India?
Hint: Consider the profound impact this movement had on the core values and discussions within Indian politics.
Answer
The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement became a central issue that transformed the direction of discourse on secularism and democracy.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Movement, becoming the central issue, transformed the direction of the discourse on secularism and democracy.'
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in May 1991 by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to which organization?
Hint: Recall the specific extremist group mentioned in connection with his assassination.
Answer
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Explanation
The text explicitly mentions: 'Finally, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to a change in leadership of the Congress party. He was assassinated by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE when he was on an election campaign tour in Tamil Nadu.'
Which Lok Sabha elections marked the beginning of a long phase of coalition politics in India at the Centre?
Hint: Think about the elections where no single party secured a clear majority, leading to the necessity of alliances.
Answer
The elections of 1989 led to the defeat of the Congress party and the subsequent formation of coalition governments, marking the beginning of this era.
Explanation
The text states: 'Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been eleven governments at the Centre, all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties.'
How was the National Front government, formed in 1989, characterized in terms of political support?
Hint: Consider the unusual combination of parties that backed this government from outside.
Answer
The National Front was an alliance of Janata Dal and some regional parties, which received support from two ideologically opposite groups: the BJP and the Left Front.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The National Front (which itself was an alliance of Janata Dal and some other regional parties) received support from two diametrically opposite political groups: the BJP and the Left Front.'
What crucial role did regional parties play in Indian politics after 1989?
Hint: Think about how the shift from single-party dominance affected the influence of smaller, regional political entities.
Answer
Regional parties gained significant importance, becoming crucial in forming and sustaining ruling alliances at the national level.
Explanation
The text states: 'This development initiated an era of coalition governments at the Centre, in which regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances'.
What administrative category does the term 'OBC' refer to?
Hint: Recall the full form of the acronym used for communities identified for special provisions.
Answer
OBC stands for 'Other Backward Classes', referring to communities other than SC and ST who suffer from educational and social backwardness.
Explanation
The text explains: 'This refers to the administrative category ‘Other Backward Classes’. These are communities other than SC and ST who suffer from educational and social backwardness.'
How did the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations affect OBC communities?
Hint: Consider the social and political consequences of a major policy decision concerning a specific community.
Answer
The intense national debate around Mandal implementation made people from OBC communities more aware of their identity, aiding their political mobilization.
Explanation
The text states: 'The intense national debate for and against reservation in jobs made people from the OBC communities more aware of this identity. Thus, it helped those who wanted to mobilise these groups in politics.'
What was the official name of the commission popularly known as the Mandal Commission?
Hint: Recall its designation in the sequence of such commissions appointed since Independence.
Answer
The Mandal Commission was officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission.
Explanation
The text clarifies: '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.'
What percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs did the Mandal Commission recommend for OBCs?
Hint: Remember the specific reservation percentage proposed by the commission.
Answer
The Mandal Commission recommended reserving 27 per cent of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for OBCs.
Explanation
The text states: 'It therefore recommended reserving 27 per cent of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.'
The Supreme Court ruling upholding the Mandal Commission's recommendations in November 1992 is famously known as which case?
Hint: Recall the landmark legal challenge to the Mandal Commission's implementation.
Answer
The Supreme Court decision upholding the Mandal recommendations was known as the 'Indira Sawhney case'.
Explanation
The text mentions: '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. In November 1992, the Supreme Court gave a ruling upholding the decision of the government.'
In which year was the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) formed?
Hint: Locate the year mentioned for the inception of this significant organization for Dalit political rise.
Answer
BAMCEF was formed in 1978 as a political organization for Dalits.
Explanation
The text states: 'In 1978 the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) was formed.'
What was BAMCEF's strong position regarding political power?
Hint: Consider the broad group of communities whose empowerment this organization sought.
Answer
BAMCEF advocated for political power for the 'bahujan', a collective term for SC, ST, OBC, and minorities.
Explanation
The text specifies: 'It took a strong position in favour of political power to the ‘bahujan’ – the SC, ST, OBC and minorities.'
Who was the founder and leader under whom the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) emerged?
Hint: Recall the prominent figure associated with the rise of Dalit politics and the BSP.
Answer
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.
Explanation
The text states: 'It was out of this that the subsequent Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti and later the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.'
After 1986, what did the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) begin to emphasize as the core of its ideology?
Hint: Consider the ideological shift of the BJP in the late 1980s, particularly after its initial electoral struggles.
Answer
After 1986, the BJP began to emphasize nationalism as the core of its ideology and pursued the politics of 'Hindutva'.
Explanation
The text states: 'After 1986, the party began to emphasise nationalism as the core of its ideology. The BJP also pursued the politics of ‘Hindutva’ for political mobilisation.'
According to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, what did 'Hindutva' basically mean as the basis of Indian nationhood?
Hint: Focus on the dual aspect of identity and belonging that Savarkar's Hindutva emphasized for an Indian.
Answer
Savarkar popularized Hindutva as the basis of Indian nationhood, meaning one must accept India as both their fatherland (pitrubhu) and holy land (punyabhu).
Explanation
The text explains: 'Hindutva was popularised by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, as the basis of Indian nationhood. It basically meant that to be an Indian, one must accept India as their ‘fatherland’ (pitrubhu) as well as their holy land (punyabhu).'
How did the Shah Bano case in 1985 influence the politics of the BJP?
Hint: Think about how the BJP positioned itself in relation to the government's response to the Shah Bano verdict.
Answer
The BJP criticized the Congress government's decision to pass the Muslim Women Act, calling it an 'unnecessary concession and ‘appeasement’ of the minority community'.
Explanation
The text states: 'The BJP criticised this action of the Congress government as an unnecessary concession and ‘appeasement’ of the minority community.'
When did the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court announce its decision on the Ayodhya issue?
Hint: Recall the specific date mentioned for the final Supreme Court judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.
Answer
The Supreme Court's constitutional bench announced its decision on the Ayodhya issue on November 9, 2019.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'These changes culminated in the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya following the decision of the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court (which was announced on November 9, 2019).'
Which of the following is identified as one of the four elements of the 'growing consensus' among most political parties in India after 1989?
Hint: Consider the economic policy stance that most parties adopted despite other differences.
Answer
An agreement on new economic policies is listed as the first element of the growing consensus.
Explanation
The text lists: 'First, agreement on new economic policies – while many groups are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies.'
What is the second element of the 'growing consensus' among most parties concerning backward castes?
Hint: Think about the widespread recognition of OBCs' demands by various political factions.
Answer
The second element of consensus is the acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes.
Explanation
The text lists: 'Second, acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes – political parties have recognised that the social and political claims of the backward castes need to be accepted.'
What is the third element of the 'growing consensus' regarding the role of state-level parties?
Hint: Consider how the shift to coalition politics affected the status and influence of parties operating at the state level.
Answer
The third element is the acceptance of the crucial role played by State-level parties in national governance.
Explanation
The text lists: 'Third, acceptance of the role of State level parties in governance of the country – the distinction between State level and national level parties is fast becoming less important.'
What is the fourth element of the 'growing consensus' regarding political alliances?
Hint: Think about how the need to form governments in a multi-party system influences the basis of alliances.
Answer
The fourth element highlights the shift from ideological differences to pragmatic power-sharing arrangements in coalition politics.
Explanation
The text lists: 'Fourth, 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.'
How has the Indian party system changed almost dramatically from what it was till the seventies?
Hint: Consider the overall evolution of party power structures and competition.
Answer
The party system transformed from the earlier Congress dominance to a more competitive and coalition-oriented landscape.
Explanation
The text states: 'Thus, the party system has now changed almost dramatically from what it was till the seventies.' and later, 'From that situation, we have now arrived at a more competitive politics, but politics that is based on a certain implicit agreement among the main political actors.'
In which Lok Sabha elections did the BJP secure a clear single-party majority on its own for the first time after 30 years?
Hint: Recall the recent election year when a major national party broke the trend of coalition governments by winning an absolute majority.
Answer
The BJP achieved a clear single-party majority in the 16th Lok Sabha elections held in 2014.
Explanation
The text states: 'BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi got a clear majority in 16th Lok Sabha elections held in 2014. BJP won 282 seats on its own, becoming the first party to gain single party majority after 30 years.'
In the 1989 Lok Sabha elections, to how many seats was the Congress party reduced, compared to its 415 seats in 1984?
Hint: Focus on the number mentioned for Congress's performance in the 1989 elections.
Answer
The Congress party was reduced to only 197 seats in the 1989 elections.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'The party that had won as many as 415 seats in the Lok Sabha in 1984 was reduced to only 197 in this election.'
Which two diametrically opposite political groups provided support to the National Front government in 1989?
Hint: Recall the two distinct political poles that temporarily aligned to support the 1989 government.
Answer
The National Front government received support from the BJP and the Left Front.
Explanation
The text explicitly mentions: 'The National Front... received support from two diametrically opposite political groups: the BJP and the Left Front.'
What was a key factor contributing to the decline of Congress dominance in the 1990s, as described in the text?
Hint: Consider the fragmentation of the political landscape and its effect on single-party majorities.
Answer
The emergence of a multi-party system, where no single party consistently secured a clear majority, was a key factor.
Explanation
The text states: '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.'
Which national party supported the United Front government that came to power in 1996?
Hint: Recall the political alignments of 1996, specifically which major party provided external support to the government.
Answer
The United Front government in 1996 was supported by the Congress party.
Explanation
The text states: 'The United Front government was supported by the Congress. This shows how unstable the political equations were.'
When did the BJP first lead a coalition government at the Centre, as mentioned in the text?
Hint: Look for the specific period when BJP formed its first government through an alliance.
Answer
The BJP first came to power by leading a coalition government from May 1998 to June 1999.
Explanation
The text states: 'It finally came to power by leading a coalition government from May 1998 to June 1999 and was re-elected in October 1999.'
Who served as the Prime Minister during the BJP-led NDA governments from May 1998 to June 1999 and again after October 1999?
Hint: Recall the BJP leader who headed the coalition governments in the late 1990s.
Answer
Atal Behari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister during both these NDA governments.
Explanation
The text identifies: 'Atal Behari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister during both these NDA governments and his government formed in 1999 completed its full term.'
In earlier times, what did the term 'Congress system' refer to, besides the dominance of the Congress party?
Hint: Think about the internal composition and inclusive nature of the Congress party in its heyday.
Answer
The 'Congress system' also referred to the Congress party's internal structure, acting as a broad coalition of diverse interests and social groups.
Explanation
The text reminds us: 'We saw in Chapter Two that in earlier times, it was the Congress party itself that was a ‘coalition’ of different interests and different social strata and groups. This gave rise to the term ‘Congress system’.'
Which Dalit political organization was formed in 1978, advocating for political power for the 'bahujan'?
Hint: Recall the initial organization mentioned in the context of the political rise of Dalits.
Answer
The Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) was formed in 1978.
Explanation
The text states: 'In 1978 the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) was formed.'
Who did the organization BAMCEF refer to as 'bahujan'?
Hint: Consider the comprehensive group that BAMCEF aimed to represent and empower.
Answer
BAMCEF defined 'bahujan' as the collective of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities.
Explanation
The text explains: 'It took a strong position in favour of political power to the ‘bahujan’ – the SC, ST, OBC and minorities.'
Which states initially provided the strongest support base for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) when it achieved its breakthrough?
Hint: Recall the northern Indian states mentioned where BSP first gained significant electoral success.
Answer
The BSP initially gained strong support in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Explanation
The text states: 'The BSP began as a small party supported largely by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. But in 1989 and the 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough in Uttar Pradesh.'
What political platform did the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initially adopt after its formation in 1980?
Hint: Consider the initial ideological stance of the BJP when it was first formed, before its later shift.
Answer
Initially, the BJP adopted a broader political platform than the Jana Sangh, including 'Gandhian Socialism' along with cultural nationalism.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Initially, the BJP adopted a broader political platform than that of the Jana Sangh. BJP embraced ‘Gandhian’ Socialism’ along with cultural nationalism as its ideology.'
In response to the Shah Bano case verdict, what legislation did the government pass in 1986?
Hint: Recall the specific Act passed by the government to address the demands of certain Muslim leaders following the Shah Bano judgment.
Answer
The government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which nullified the Supreme Court's judgment in the Shah Bano case.
Explanation
The text states: 'On the demand of some Muslim leaders, the government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 that nullified the Supreme Court’s judgement.'
In which year was the three-dome structure at Ayodhya sealed due to the onset of court proceedings?
Hint: Recall the year when legal actions led to the physical closure of the disputed site.
Answer
The structure at Ayodhya was sealed in 1949 due to ongoing court proceedings.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Over the years, this issue evolved into a prolonged legal battle, leading to the structure being sealed in 1949 due to the onset of court proceedings.'
How did the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict on the Ayodhya issue demonstrate the maturity of democratic ethos in India?
Hint: Consider the broader implications of the Supreme Court's role in resolving a long-standing, sensitive dispute in a pluralistic society.
Answer
The verdict was seen as a classic example of consensus building on a sensitive issue through due process of law, upholding the inclusive spirit of the Constitution.
Explanation
The text concludes: 'It is a classic example of consensus building on a sensitive issue that shows the maturity of democratic ethos which are civilizationally ingrained in India.'
Which Congress-led coalition government came to power in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections?
Hint: Recall the name of the coalition that the Congress formed to lead the government in 2004.
Answer
In 2004, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, led by the Congress, came to power.
Explanation
The text states: 'In the elections of 2004, the Congress party too entered into coalitions in a big way. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was defeated and a new coalition government led by the Congress, known as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came to power.'
Which parties withdrew support from the Congress-led UPA government in July 2008 on the issue of the Indo-US nuclear deal?
Hint: Recall the specific political bloc that opposed the nuclear deal and consequently withdrew support from the government.
Answer
The Left Front parties withdrew support from the UPA government in July 2008 over the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'The Congress led UPA government completed its term despite Left parties withdrawing the support in July 2008 on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal.'
Who was sworn in as Prime Minister for the second term, heading the UPA government, after the 2009 Lok Sabha elections?
Hint: Recall the Prime Minister who led the UPA government for two consecutive terms.
Answer
Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister for the second term after the 2009 elections.
Explanation
The text states: 'Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn as Prime Minister for the second term, heading the coalition government of UPA again.'
Who did the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declare as its Prime Ministerial candidate in September 2013?
Hint: Recall the BJP leader who became the party's face for the 2014 general elections.
Answer
Narendra Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, was declared as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate in September 2013.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Bhartiya Janata Party declared Narendra Modi (then the Chief Minister of Gujrat) as its Prime Ministerial candidate in September 2013.'
How has coalition politics shifted the focus of political parties, as described in the context of the new consensus?
Hint: Consider how the practicalities of forming a government in a multi-party system impact ideological stances.
Answer
Coalition politics has made parties prioritize pragmatic power-sharing arrangements over strict ideological adherence.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements.'
What does the text suggest about the future of democratic politics in India, despite the complex developments?
Hint: Consider the overall concluding message about the resilience and dynamic nature of Indian democracy.
Answer
The text concludes that democratic politics is here to stay in India and will continue to evolve through the interplay of various factors.
Explanation
The final paragraph states: 'We cannot predict the future of democracy. All we know is that democratic politics is here to stay in India and that it will unfold through a continuous churning of some of the factors mentioned in this chapter.'
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