Question

Explain any two reasons for the beginning of a long phase of coalition politics in India since 1989.

Hint:

Think of the decline of the Congress and the rise of regional parties.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
After the 1989 general election no single party won a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
A long phase of coalition governments then began. The question asks for two reasons.

Step 2: Reason 1: Decline of the Congress:
The Congress lost its dominant position at the Centre and no other party could take its place alone.
So the vote was divided among many parties, and no party won enough seats.

Step 3: Reason 2: Rise of regional parties and new groups:
Regional parties gained strength in many states and became key partners at the Centre.
The rise of parties based on OBC and Dalit groups, and the growth of the BJP, made national politics multi-party.
Governments could be formed only with alliances.

Final Answer:
Two reasons: the decline of the Congress, and the rise of regional and caste-based parties and the BJP, which left no party with a majority.