Question

State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?

Answer 1

In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which had a long lasting impact on politics:

1. End of Congress system.
2. Mandal issues
3. New Economic Reforms
4. Babri Masjid Issues
5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance.

Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase, government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties.

The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and backward classes and regional assertions as well.