Recent developments in Indian politics - Class 12 Political Science - Chapter 8 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Extra Questions - Recent developments in Indian politics | Politics in India Since Independence | Political Science | Class 12
A. The influence is reflected the most in beaded evening wear.
B. Increasingly, the influence of India's colours and cuts can be seen on western styles.
C. And even as Nehru jackets and jodhpurs remain staples of the fashion world, designers such as Armani and McFadden have turned to the sleek silhouette of the churidar this year.
D. Indian hot pink, paprika and saffron continue to be popular colours year in and year out.
A. BADC
B. ABCD
C. BCAD
D. DABC
Correct Option: A - BADC
Option (A):
(B) starts by explaining the impact of Indian colours and cuts on Western styles.
(A) follows, elaborating that this influence is mostly seen in beaded evening wear.
(D) then emphasizes the popularity of colours such as hot pink, paprika, and saffron.
(C) finally states how the international fashion scene is being influenced by traditional Indian outfits like Nehru jackets and jodhpurs, noting that designers like Armani and McFadden have embraced the sleek silhouette of the churidar this year.
Thus, the sequence of the sentences should be BADC.
Alternate Method:
Statement A mentions some kind of influence but does not specify what is influencing.
By examining other statements, we find that only statement B specifies what is influencing, i.e., India's colours and cuts.
This leads to the combination that statement B is followed by statement A, forming "BA".
This combination is present in only one option, confirming that answer option "A" is correct.
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Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and arrange the file chronologically.
(a) Implementation of the recommendation of the Mandal Commission
(b) Formation of the Janata Dal
(c) Supreme court Judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi
(d) Assassination of Indira Gandhi
(e) The formation of NDA government
(f) Formation of the UPA government
Assassination of Indira Gandhi (d)
Formation of the Janata Dal (b)
Implementation of the recommendation of the Mandal Commission (a)
Supreme Court Judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi (c)
The formation of NDA government (e)
Formation of the UPA government (f)
Match the following.
(a) Politics of Consensus | i. Shah Bano case |
(b) Caste based parties | ii. Rise of OBCs |
(c) Personal Law and Gender Justice | iii. Coalition government |
(d) Growing strength of policies Regional parties | iv. Agreement on Economic |
(a) Politics of Consensus - iv. Agreement on Economic
(b) Caste based parties - ii. Rise of OBCs
(c) Personal Law and Gender Justice - i. Shah Bano case
(d) Growing strength of Regional parties - iii. Coalition government
State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?
After 1989, the main issues in Indian politics included the rise of coalition governments, the decline of the Congress party's dominance, the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations for OBC reservations (leading to political mobilization of backward classes), rising communalism and the politics of Hindutva, and economic reforms initiated in 1991. These issues led to different political configurations including the formation of multi-party alliances and coalitions, such as the National Front, the United Front, the NDA, and the UPA. These coalitions were crucial as no single party managed to secure a clear majority in the Lok Sabha elections from 1989 until 2014, reflecting a significant shift towards a more multi-cornered and ideologically versatile electoral competition.
“In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideology.” What arguments would you put forward to support or oppose this statement?
Support for the Statement:
Pragmatic Alliances: Political parties have formed alliances based on pragmatic considerations rather than strict ideological compatibility, focusing on power-sharing rather than ideological purity.
NDA Example: In the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), parties with varied ideologies united under the BJP’s leadership, not all of which endorsed the 'Hindutva' ideology, highlighting opportunistic alliances over ideological commitment.
Opposition to the Statement:
Ideological Tints Remain: Despite coalition necessities, ideological underpinnings like economic policies or positions on social issues (like caste and religious politics) still influence party alignments to an extent.
Core Values: Even within coalitions, parties often uphold certain core ideological stances which guide their participation and policy stances within the government.
Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.
Post-Emergency, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh merged into the Janata Party, but after its dissolution, the supporters of Jana Sangh formed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980. Initially adopting 'Gandhian Socialism', the BJP saw little electoral success. Post-1986, the party shifted towards Hindu nationalism. Highlighting the Hindutva ideology, the Shah Bano case (1985) and the decision to unlock the Babri Masjid (1986) pivotal points led the BJP to emphasize Hindu identity, spurring its rise as a significant political force by galvanizing Hindu support against perceived minority appeasement.
In spite of the decline of Congress dominance, the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Yes, I agree that despite the decline of Congress dominance, the Congress party continues to influence politics in India. The reasons include:
Significant party presence: Although it lost the centrality it enjoyed earlier, Congress remains a significant party in the Indian political landscape.
Government roles: It has continued to rule the country in various capacities, coming back to power in notable instances like after the 1991 elections.
Support for major coalitions: The Congress has played pivotal roles in supporting and forming coalition governments, such as the United Front government in 1996.
Nationwide reach: Congress still retains a widespread organizational structure and ideological influence across various states, contributing to its enduring role in shaping policies and debates.
Thus, despite its decreased dominance, the Congress party's historical legacy and ongoing participation in significant political coalitions affirm its continued influence in Indian politics.
Many people think that a two-party system is required for successful democracy. Drawing from India’s experience of last 30 years, write an essay on what advantages the present party system in India has.
India's Multi-party System: A Democratic Enrichment
India's political landscape over the past 30 years illustrates the vibrancy of a multi-party system, distinguishing itself from the notion that successful democracies require a two-party setup. Central to this system's advantages is enhanced representation. Unlike a two-party system that often polarizes the electorate, India's multi-party framework ensures that both majority and minority interests find voices in Parliament, promoting a more inclusive governance model.
Another significant advantage is the fostering of coalition governments, evident since the 1989 elections. These coalitions encourage political parties to work collaboratively, enhancing the democratic spirit by requiring compromise and consensus-building. This nature of politics prevents any one party from dominating the landscape, thereby maintaining a balance that respects varied regional and cultural sentiments.
Moreover, the presence of multiple parties encourages policy innovation. As parties vie for electoral support, they tend to broaden their appeal through innovative policy solutions that cater to diverse segments of society. This competitive dynamic can lead to better governance as parties are incentivized to address the actual needs of their constituents rather than adhering strictly to ideologically driven agendas.
Importantly, India's multi-party system acts as a check against autocracy. With power dispersed among several parties, the system inherently guards against the concentration of power, a critical feature in sustaining a democratic ethos.
While the system might lead to political instability at times, the last 30 years underscore its resilience and capacity to integrate India's diverse socio-political fabric into a functional democratic framework. Thus, India's experience highlights that a multi-party system, while complex, can robustly support the principles of democracy.
Read the passage and answer the questions below:
Party politics in India has confronted numerous challenges. Not only has the Congress system destroyed itself, but the fragmentation of the Congress coalition has triggered a new emphasis on self-representation which raises questions about the party system and its capacity to accommodate diverse interests, …. . An important test facing the polity is to evolve a party system or political parties that can effectively articulate and aggregate a variety of interests. — Zoya Hasan
(a) Write a short note on what the author calls challenges of the party system in the light of what you have read in this chapter.
(b) Given an example from this chapter of the lack of accommodation and aggregation mentioned in this passage.
(c) Why is it necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests?
(a) Challenges of the party system as outlined in the book and by Zoya Hasan include fragmentation of the traditional Congress coalition and the resultant rise in diverse demands for representation. This fragmentation facilitated the emergence of multiple regional and caste-based parties, reflecting a broader range of social and political interests yet complicating the political landscape. This also transitioned the political dominance from a single-party system to a multi-party coalition system, making it harder for any single party to gain an absolute majority, thus highlighting the challenge of political stability and governance.
(b) An example of lack of accommodation and aggregation can be gleaned from the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which sparked intense national debates and violent reactions against the reservation policy. This decision indicates the polarizing effects when governmental action fails to consider or effectively integrate opposing viewpoints within the policy-making process, leading to social and political upheavals.
(c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate a variety of interests to ensure social harmony, political stability, and the legitimacy of the democratic process. By doing so, parties help bridge different societal interests, promoting inclusive governance that is reflective of a diverse populace. This inclusivity is crucial for maintaining national unity, fostering trust in political processes, and avoiding alienation of any particular group, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of a democracy.
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Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Comprehensive Class 12 Notes
The 1990s marked a significant turning point in Indian politics. From the decline of the Congress dominance to the rise of coalition governments and the escalation of caste and communal politics, these developments shaped the political landscape in profound ways. This article explores these crucial shifts to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent developments in Indian politics.
Historical Context of the 1990s
Rajiv Gandhi ascended to the Prime Minister's office following the tragic assassination of Indira Gandhi, leading the Congress party to a landslide victory in the 1984 general elections. However, by the end of the decade, several key political changes began to unfold, setting the stage for a new era.
The Fall of Congress and the Rise of Coalition Politics
In the 1989 general elections, the Congress party suffered a drastic defeat, securing only 197 seats compared to the 415 seats it held in 1984. The loss marked the end of the 'Congress system', a term used to describe the party's dominance in Indian politics. Despite occasional resurgences, Congress could never regain its former centrality.
The 'Mandal Issue' and Reservation Politics
A significant development in the 1990s was the emergence of the 'Mandal issue'. The National Front government decided to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendation to reserve jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This decision sparked widespread protests and violence, deeply impacting national politics.
Economic Reforms and Policy Shifts
Economic policies underwent a radical transformation with the introduction of the structural adjustment programme in 1991. These reforms, often referred to as the New Economic Policy, were designed to liberalise the economy but faced criticism from various quarters.
Babri Masjid Demolition and Its Political Fallout
The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 was a watershed event that intensified debates over secularism and nationalism. This episode contributed to the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the politics of Hindutva, drastically altering the political landscape.
The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and Congress Leadership
The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 led to significant changes in Congress leadership. Narsimha Rao became the Prime Minister, and Congress regained power in the 1991 elections, albeit with a reduced majority.
Era of Coalition Governments
The post-1989 era saw the emergence of numerous coalition governments, largely driven by the rise of regional parties. Significant coalitions included the National Front, the United Front, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). These governments, although unstable at times, highlighted the significance of multi-party politics in India.
graph TD;
A[1989 Election] -->|Defeat of Congress| B[National Front Coalition];
B --> C[NDA Coalition 1998];
B --> D[United Front Coalition 1996];
D --> E[UPA Coalition 2004];
The Political Rise of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
The 1990s also witnessed the political mobilisation of OBCs. The Mandal Commission's recommendations played a pivotal role in shaping OBC politics, leading to the emergence of several regional parties advocating for better opportunities in education and employment.
Communalism, Secularism, and Democracy
The politics of religious identity gained prominence during this period. The Shah Bano case in 1985 and the Ayodhya dispute significantly influenced the BJP's strategy, leading to heightened communal tensions and debates over secularism.
Emergence of a New Political Consensus
Despite the intense political competition, a new consensus emerged on several fronts. Most parties showed broad agreement on economic policies, social claims of backward castes, and the role of state-level parties in governance. Coalition politics shifted the focus from ideological differences to pragmatic power-sharing arrangements.
Key Developments and Future Prospects
The political landscape of India has transformed dramatically since the 1990s. With coalition governments becoming the norm and regional parties playing a crucial role, Indian politics has become more competitive. While the future remains uncertain, the nature of Indian democracy suggests continued political churning and evolution.
In summary, the 1990s were a pivotal decade for Indian politics, characterised by the decline of Congress, the rise of coalition politics, significant economic reforms, and heightened communal and caste-based political mobilisation. These changes have had long-lasting effects on the political scenario in India, and understanding these developments is essential for comprehending the current and future political landscape.
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