Question

Explain any two developments that took place in Indian politics after 1989 which made a long lasting impact on its politics.

Hint:

Two lasting developments after 1989 are the Mandal reservation for OBCs and the Ayodhya dispute leading to the Babri Masjid demolition.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
The 1989 elections ended the one-party hold of the Congress. After that, several changes shaped Indian politics for years.
We explain any two such developments, 2 marks each.

Step 2: Development 1: Mandal Commission and OBC politics:
In 1990 the National Front government under V. P. Singh decided to implement the Mandal Commission report. It gave 27 percent reservation in central government jobs to Other Backward Classes.
This led to protests and counter-protests, and it made OBC groups a main force in politics. New parties built on backward-caste support arose.

Step 3: Development 2: Ayodhya dispute and communal politics:
The dispute over the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya grew after 1986. In December 1992 the mosque was pulled down by a crowd.
This led to riots and new debates on secularism. It also helped the BJP grow as a major party.

Final Answer:
Two lasting developments are the Mandal Commission decision of 1990 with its OBC politics and the Ayodhya events of 1992, which raised communal and secular debates.