Political Science | Recent Developments in Indian Politics (Politics in India Since Independence)

End of Congress System:

• The 1980s marked the decline of Congress dominance, starting with the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984.
• Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister and faced significant political challenges, including the rise of regional parties and political fragmentation.

Formation of Janata Dal and Coalition Politics:

• The Janata Dal was formed in 1989, leading to a coalition government supported by the BJP and the Left Front.
• The era of coalition politics began, characterized by alliances between multiple parties to form the government.

Mandal Commission and Reservations:

• The Mandal Commission report in 1990 recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The implementation of these recommendations led to widespread protests and political upheaval.

Babri Masjid Demolition:

• The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 by Hindu activists led to nationwide riots and a significant impact on Indian politics.
• The event intensified communal tensions and debates on secularism.

Economic Reforms:

• The New Economic Policy of 1991 introduced liberalization, privatization, and globalization, transforming the Indian economy.
• These reforms were initiated by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh.

Rise of BJP:

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as a significant political force, with its ideology of Hindutva and support for Hindu nationalism.
• The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government in 1998 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Formation of UPA:

• The United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Congress, formed the government in 2004 and 2009, with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.
• The UPA focused on inclusive growth, social welfare programs, and economic reforms.

Coalition Governments:

• Since 1989, India has witnessed multiple coalition governments, reflecting the fragmented nature of Indian politics.
• Coalition politics required compromises and power-sharing arrangements among diverse political parties.

Godhra Incident and Gujarat Riots:

• The Godhra incident in 2002 and the subsequent Gujarat riots highlighted issues of communal violence and the role of the state in ensuring law and order.
• The riots led to widespread criticism of the state government and raised questions about secularism in India.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “Recent Developments in Indian Politics – Politics in India Since Independence”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the Mandal Commission report and the anti-reservation protests on Indian politics.
2. Research Project: Investigate the rise of the BJP and its transformation into a significant political force in India.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of coalition politics in India.
4. Chart Creation: Create a timeline of major political events in India from the 1980s to the present, highlighting key developments and their impact.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock parliamentary session discussing the implementation of economic reforms and their effects on the Indian economy.

Conclusion

The chapter “Recent Developments in Indian Politics – Politics in India Since Independence” provides an in-depth understanding of the political changes and developments in India over the past few decades. It highlights the decline of Congress dominance, the rise of coalition politics, and the emergence of new political forces, offering insights into the complexities of contemporary Indian politics.