Introduction

• The 1989 General Elections marked the end of Congress dominance and the beginning of coalition politics.
• Economic liberalization (1991) transformed India’s economy.
• Rise of regional parties and identity politics reshaped Indian politics.
• Political developments included Mandal politics, Babri Masjid demolition, rise of the BJP, and shifts in foreign policy.

Era of Coalition Politics (1989-Present)

Decline of Congress Dominance

• Congress lost the 1989 elections, ending its single-party dominance.
• V.P. Singh became PM with support from BJP and Left parties.
• Rise of non-Congress governments at the national level.

Rise of Regional Parties

• Regional parties (DMK, TDP, SP, BSP, Shiv Sena, etc.) became crucial in government formation.
• No single party could form a government without alliances.

Formation of Coalition Governments

• National Front (1989-91) – Led by V.P. Singh.
• United Front (1996-98) – A coalition of non-Congress, non-BJP parties.
• National Democratic Alliance (NDA) – Formed by BJP (1999).
• United Progressive Alliance (UPA) – Formed by Congress (2004, 2009).

The Mandal Issue and OBC Politics (1990s-Present)

Implementation of Mandal Commission Report (1990)

• V.P. Singh’s government implemented the Mandal Commission report, granting 27% reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and education.
• Led to massive protests and self-immolation incidents by upper-caste students.

Rise of Caste-Based Politics

• OBC reservation led to the rise of caste-based parties like Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
• Political mobilization of Dalits, OBCs, and backward castes became a key trend.

Ayodhya Dispute and Rise of BJP (1980s-1990s)

Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi Dispute

• BJP and VHP led the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, demanding a temple at the site of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
• On December 6, 1992, Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu activists, leading to nationwide riots.

Political Impact

• BJP gained massive support, becoming a major national party.
• Communal riots and polarization between Hindus and Muslims increased.

Economic Reforms and Liberalization (1991-Present)

Economic Crisis of 1991

• India faced a severe financial crisis, with foreign exchange reserves almost exhausted.
• IMF and World Bank forced India to adopt economic reforms.

Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG)

• Dr. Manmohan Singh (Finance Minister under Narasimha Rao’s government) introduced economic liberalization.
• Ended License Raj, allowing private sector growth.
• Opened Indian markets to foreign trade and investment.

Impact of Economic Reforms

• Rapid economic growth, increase in foreign direct investment (FDI).
• Rising inequality and job insecurity due to privatization.
• Agricultural distress and rural protests increased.

Political Rise of BJP and Hindutva Politics (1990s-Present)

BJP’s Emergence as a National Party

• From 2 seats in 1984 to 182 seats in 1999, BJP grew into a dominant political force.
• Formed the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) with regional parties.

1998-2004: Vajpayee Era

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee became India’s PM (1998-2004).
• India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran (1998), making India a nuclear power.
• Economic growth and infrastructure projects (Golden Quadrilateral highways).

2014-Present: Modi Era

• BJP won a majority in 2014 under Narendra Modi’s leadership, ending coalition rule.
• Major policies: GST, Digital India, Make in India, and farm law reforms.
• Rise of nationalism and Hindutva ideology in politics.

Social Movements and Protests (2000s-Present)

Anti-Corruption Movement (2011-2013)

• Led by Anna Hazare, demanding Lokpal Bill to fight corruption.
• Gave rise to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) under Arvind Kejriwal.

Nirbhaya Protests (2012)

• Mass protests for women’s safety after the Delhi gang rape case.
• Led to stricter laws on sexual violence (Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013).

Farmer Protests (2020-2021)

• Farmers protested against new farm laws, fearing corporate takeover of agriculture.
• The government later withdrew the laws after year-long protests.

India’s Changing Foreign Policy (1990s-Present)

Shift from Non-Alignment to Strategic Partnerships

• India strengthened ties with the USA, Russia, and European countries.
• Became a major player in global trade and technology.

Relations with China and Pakistan

• India-China tensions (Doklam standoff, Galwan clashes in 2020).
• Cross-border conflicts with Pakistan (Kargil War 1999, Pulwama attack 2019).

Challenges to Indian Democracy

Rise of Populism and Strong Leadership

• Shift from party-based politics to leader-centric governance.
• More power concentrated in the Prime Minister’s office.

Electoral Reforms and EVM Controversies

• Debates over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral funding transparency.

Freedom of Press and Judiciary Independence

• Concerns over press censorship and judicial interference by the government.

Conclusion

• India’s political landscape has changed significantly since 1989.
• Coalition politics gave way to a strong central leadership (BJP’s rise since 2014).
• Economic liberalization transformed India, but challenges like inequality and protests continue.
• Regional parties and social movements still play a crucial role in shaping democracy.