Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The decade of 1989-1999 marked a watershed moment in Indian politics, fundamentally altering the national party system that had been largely dominated by the Indian National Congress since independence. Prior to 1989, the Congress enjoyed a hegemonic position, winning most national and state elections. However, the Mandal Commission recommendations, the Shah Bano case, and the Bofors scandal created significant social and political fissures. The subsequent decade witnessed the fragmentation of the party system, the rise of regional forces, and the emergence of coalition politics, ushering in an era of political instability and realignment. This period fundamentally reshaped the contours of Indian democracy.
Decline of the Congress Hegemony
The Congress party, which had enjoyed a near-monopoly on power for four decades, began to experience a significant decline in its electoral fortunes. The 1989 general election, where it lost its majority for the first time, signaled the beginning of this trend. Several factors contributed to this decline:
- Social Coalitions Fracturing: The traditional social coalitions that supported the Congress – upper castes, minorities, and sections of the OBCs – began to fragment due to the rise of identity politics.
- Scandals and Corruption: The Bofors scandal (1986) severely damaged the Congress’s reputation and eroded public trust.
- Rise of Mandal Politics: V.P. Singh’s implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990, providing reservations for OBCs, disrupted the existing social order and created new political cleavages.
Rise of Regional Parties
The decline of the Congress created a vacuum that was filled by the rise of regional parties. These parties capitalized on local identities, grievances, and aspirations. Some prominent examples include:
- Janata Dal: Led by V.P. Singh, the Janata Dal emerged as a significant force in North Indian politics, challenging the Congress’s dominance.
- Samajwadi Party (SP): Founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav, the SP gained prominence in Uttar Pradesh, representing the interests of OBCs and Muslims.
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Led by Kanshi Ram and later Mayawati, the BSP mobilized Dalits and other marginalized communities in Uttar Pradesh and other states.
- Dravidian Parties (DMK & AIADMK): In Tamil Nadu, the DMK and AIADMK continued to dominate state politics, asserting regional autonomy and identity.
Emergence of Identity Politics
The 1990s witnessed a surge in identity politics, with parties increasingly appealing to specific caste, religious, and linguistic groups. This trend was fueled by:
- Mandal Commission and Caste Mobilization: The implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations led to increased caste consciousness and mobilization.
- Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: The Ayodhya dispute and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement (culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992) polarized Indian society along religious lines and strengthened the Hindu nationalist movement.
- Rise of Sub-Nationalism: Regional parties often promoted sub-nationalist sentiments, emphasizing local identities and cultures.
Coalition Politics and Political Instability
The fragmentation of the party system led to the era of coalition governments at the national level. No single party could secure a majority on its own, forcing them to form alliances with regional parties. This resulted in:
- Short-Lived Governments: The 1990s saw a series of short-lived governments, including those led by V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, P.V. Narasimha Rao, H.D. Deve Gowda, and I.K. Gujral.
- Increased Bargaining Power of Regional Parties: Regional parties wielded significant bargaining power in coalition governments, often demanding key portfolios and concessions.
- Policy Paralysis: Coalition compulsions often led to policy paralysis and delayed decision-making.
The BJP’s Ascent
While the Congress declined, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) steadily gained ground, capitalizing on the rise of Hindu nationalism and the political vacuum created by the Congress’s weakening. The party’s victory in the 1996, 1998 and 1999 elections, though initially short-lived in 1996, marked a significant shift in Indian politics. The Ayodhya movement played a crucial role in expanding the BJP’s support base.
| Year | Prime Minister | Party/Coalition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-1990 | V.P. Singh | Janata Dal (with external support from BJP & Left) | ~343 days |
| 1990-1991 | Chandra Shekhar | Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) (with external support from Congress) | ~223 days |
| 1991-1996 | P.V. Narasimha Rao | Congress | ~1823 days |
| 1996 | A.B. Vajpayee | BJP (13 days) | 13 days |
| 1996-1997 | H.D. Deve Gowda | Janata Dal | ~324 days |
| 1997-1998 | I.K. Gujral | Janata Dal | ~332 days |
Conclusion
The decade of 1989-1999 fundamentally transformed the Indian party system, moving away from the Congress’s long-standing dominance towards a more fragmented and competitive landscape. The rise of regional parties, the intensification of identity politics, and the emergence of coalition governments became defining features of Indian politics. While this period was marked by political instability, it also broadened the representation of diverse social groups and interests. The BJP’s ascent during this period laid the groundwork for its future dominance, shaping the trajectory of Indian politics in the 21st century.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.