Question

Describe any two political developments that led to the political rise of OBCs (Other Backward Classes).

Hint:

Take two developments such as the Mandal Commission and its 27 per cent quota, and the 1990 decision to implement it, and explain each.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the topic:
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are groups that are socially and educationally backward but are not Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
From the late 1970s to the 1990s, OBC groups gained a strong voice in politics, especially in north India.
The question asks for any two developments, each with an explanation.

Step 2: Development 1: The Mandal Commission and its recommendations:
In 1978 the Janata Party government set up the Second Backward Classes Commission, known as the Mandal Commission.
The Commission recommended 27 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the OBCs.
The report made OBC identity a major political issue and gave the community a common demand.

Step 3: Development 2: Implementation of the report in 1990:
In 1990 the National Front government under V. P. Singh decided to implement the recommendations for jobs.
This led to protests by some groups, but also to a strong wave of OBC political mobilisation.
In 1992 the Supreme Court upheld the 27 per cent reservation, with the exclusion of the creamy layer.

Step 4: Result of these developments:
OBC leaders and parties such as the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal grew stronger.
This weakened the earlier hold of the Congress and changed the pattern of power in many states.

Final Answer:
Two political developments behind the rise of OBCs were the Mandal Commission recommendations and their implementation in 1990, which turned OBC identity into a major political force.