Chapter 18 – Recent Developments in Indian Politics
Q1. What marks the beginning of recent political developments in India?
The post-1989 era, when Congress lost dominance and coalition governments began, marks the start of contemporary political shifts.
Q2. What is meant by the era of coalition politics?
A phase where no single party gained full majority, leading to alliances and joint governments at the Centre.
Q3. What was the Mandal Commission?
A commission set up in 1979 to identify backward classes; it recommended 27% reservation in government jobs and education.
Q4. What was the impact of Mandal Commission implementation in 1990?
It triggered massive protests and debates over caste-based reservation, especially among upper-caste youth.
Q5. What is the Mandal vs. Kamandal politics?
While Mandal focused on caste-based reservation and backward rights, Kamandal represented Hindutva politics and religious mobilisation.
Q6. What was the Ayodhya dispute?
A conflict over the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya; it became a political flashpoint in the 1990s.
Q7. What happened on December 6, 1992?
Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu kar sevaks, leading to nationwide riots and polarisation.
Q8. What was the political effect of the Ayodhya issue?
It increased support for BJP’s Hindutva agenda and led to the rise of identity-based politics.
Q9. What is Hindutva?
A cultural and political ideology seeking to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values, promoted by the BJP and RSS.
Q10. What is the role of BJP in recent politics?
BJP emerged as a major national party, forming governments in 1998, 2014, and 2019, shifting focus to nationalism and development.
Q11. What is the significance of economic liberalisation in 1991?
It opened India’s economy to global markets, reduced government control, and led to high growth and private sector expansion.
Q12. Who introduced the 1991 economic reforms?
Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Q13. What is globalisation?
The integration of national economies and cultures into a global system through trade, technology, and investment.
Q14. What is the impact of liberalisation on Indian politics?
It shifted focus from welfare to growth, brought new political debates on inequality, and influenced voter preferences.
Q15. What was UPA?
The United Progressive Alliance, a coalition led by the Congress Party that ruled from 2004 to 2014.
Q16. What was NDA?
The National Democratic Alliance, a coalition led by BJP that formed governments in 1998–2004 and from 2014 onwards.
Q17. What is the role of regional parties in national politics?
They gained power due to coalition politics, represented state interests, and influenced central government formation and policies.
Q18. What is the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005?
A law that empowers citizens to access government information, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Q19. What is Lokpal?
An anti-corruption watchdog to investigate complaints against public officials, established after the 2011 Anna Hazare movement.
Q20. What was the India Against Corruption Movement?
A mass movement in 2011 led by Anna Hazare demanding the Jan Lokpal Bill to fight corruption.
Q21. What is AAP (Aam Aadmi Party)?
A political party formed from the anti-corruption movement, promising clean governance and transparency.
Q22. What is electoral reform?
Changes to election laws to improve fairness, reduce money power, and increase voter participation.
Q23. What is the significance of 2014 Lok Sabha elections?
It gave BJP a clear majority, marking the end of coalition dominance and the rise of strong central leadership.
Q24. What is digital politics?
Use of social media, data, and digital campaigns to connect with voters and influence public opinion.
Q25. What are new political challenges in India?
Rising communalism, unemployment, farmer distress, and balancing development with environment and equity.
Q26. What is secularism in recent Indian context?
A principle under debate; secularism now faces challenges from religious polarisation and identity politics.
Q27. How has youth participation changed?
Youth are more politically active through protests, social media, and emerging as new voters and candidates.
Q28. What role does media play in contemporary politics?
Media shapes narratives, sets political agendas, and influences voter opinions, but also faces issues of bias and sensationalism.
Q29. What are coalition compulsions?
Need to accommodate diverse allies, share ministries, and make policy compromises in coalition governments.
Q30. What is the future of Indian democracy?
It depends on balancing strong leadership with democratic values, active citizen participation, and inclusive growth.