Question

Describe any three changes in Indian politics since 1989.

Hint:

Think of coalition politics after the Congress decline, the new role of backward castes after Mandal, and the broad agreement on economic reforms. Explain three changes.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
We must describe any three changes in Indian politics since 1989. For 6 marks, we write three changes and explain each with a cause or an example.

Step 2: Change 1 - Decline of the Congress and rise of coalitions:
The long dominance of the Congress ended. From 1989 no single party got a clear majority for many years, and coalition governments ruled at the Centre. Regional parties became partners in national governments.

Step 3: Change 2 - New social groups in politics:
The implementation of the Mandal Commission report in 1990 gave reservation to the OBCs. Parties supported by OBCs and Dalits grew stronger. Caste based mobilisation became a major feature of elections.

Step 4: Change 3 - Consensus on economic policy:
The economic reforms started in 1991 were accepted by most of the main parties. Though parties differed on other issues, governments of different parties continued liberalisation. The BJP also grew into a major national force in this period.

Final Answer:
Since 1989 Indian politics changed through coalition governments, the rise of backward castes in politics, and a general agreement among parties on economic reforms.