🟩 Chapter 8 – Recent Developments in Indian Politics

🔹 Introduction

Indian politics has undergone significant transformations since the late 1980s.
The 1990s marked a shift from single-party dominance to coalition politics.
Social, economic, and political changes reshaped party systems, governance, and public participation.

End of Congress Dominance: Decline in single-party majority.
Economic Liberalization: 1991 reforms opened India to global markets.
Rise of Regional Parties: Increased influence in state politics and national coalitions.
Caste and Community Politics: Mandal Commission (reservation for OBCs) led to identity-based mobilization.
Communal Tensions: Babri Masjid demolition (1992) and rise of communal politics.

Coalition Era (Post-1989): No single party could secure majority in the Lok Sabha.
Key Coalitions:
- National Front (1989–1991): Led by V.P. Singh.
- United Front (1996–1998): Non-Congress coalition supported externally by Congress.
- National Democratic Alliance (1998–2004): Led by BJP.
- United Progressive Alliance (2004–2014): Led by Congress.
- BJP-led NDA (2014–present): Stable majority since 2014.
Challenges of Coalition Politics:
- Frequent changes in government.
- Policy compromises to satisfy regional partners.
- Difficulties in long-term planning and governance.

V.P. Singh (1989–1990): Introduced Mandal Commission implementation, focused on social justice.
Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991): Short-lived government with limited mandate.
P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996): Economic liberalization, reforms, globalization.
H.D. Deve Gowda / I.K. Gujral (1996–1998): United Front governments, coalition management.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998–2004): NDA coalition, economic growth, nuclear tests.
Manmohan Singh (2004–2014): UPA coalition, social welfare schemes (MGNREGA, Right to Information).
Narendra Modi (2014–present): BJP-led NDA, strong central leadership, focus on development, nationalism, and governance reforms.

Communalism: Politics based on religion, caste, or community, often leading to polarization.
Secularism: Constitutional commitment to equal respect for all religions, avoiding state preference.
Democracy: Indian democracy is resilient despite challenges of coalition politics, communal tensions, and identity politics.
Interplay: Communalism challenges secularism; democracy requires tolerance, dialogue, and political compromises.

New Political Consensus:
- Recognition of regional parties and coalition politics.
- Emphasis on inclusive growth and social justice.
- Economic reforms accepted by major parties.
- Focus on decentralization and local governance.
- Broad agreement on democratic norms, secularism, and development priorities.
Key Features:
- Cooperative politics between national and regional parties.
- Policy focus shifts from ideological debates to pragmatic governance.
- Public expectation of accountability and transparency increases.

BJP-led NDA: 353 seats (out of 543), clear majority.
Congress-led UPA: 92 seats, main opposition.
Regional Parties:
- Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, YSR Congress, AIADMK, etc. play key roles in state politics and coalition dynamics.
Observations:
- BJP dominance at the national level.
- Regional parties continue to influence state policies and act as coalition partners when required.
- Parliamentary democracy strengthened by multi-party system and regional representation.

Indian politics since the 1990s has shifted from single-party dominance to coalition and multi-party politics.
Economic liberalization, identity politics, and regional aspirations shaped national debates.
Despite challenges of coalition governments, communalism, and regionalism, Indian democracy has survived and adapted.
The emergence of a new political consensus emphasizes inclusive growth, social justice, and strong democratic institutions.
The multi-party system and coalition politics have strengthened representation and regional voices while maintaining national integration.