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Class 12 Political Science Chapter 18 Recent Developments in India Politics
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Recent Developments in India Politics
Unit -18
PART – 2
VERY SHORT ANSWER
Q. 1. What do you mean by ‘Congress System’ ?
Ans :’Congress System’ means the dominant position of congress during the period of 1947-1967 as a political party of India despite the existence of several other political parties.
Q. 2. What is “Karseva” ?
Ans : Karseva is that groups of people who gave voluntary service for construction of Ram Mandir.
Q. 3. Who was the head of the coalition government of 1989 ?
Ans : V.P. Singh supported by Left parties and BJP was the head of the coalition government of 1989.
Q. 4. In 1989 who formed the Government ?
Ans : In 1989 Janata Dal formed the government.
Q. 5. What is meant by Hindutva ?
Ans : Hindutva literally means Hinduism. It was vary well defined by its originator V.D. Savarkar as the basis of Indian nationhood,
Q. 6. After the death of Rajiv Gandhi who became the Prime Minister of India ?
Ans : After the death of Rajiv Gandhi P.V. Narasimha Rao became the Prime Minister India.
Q. 7. Which party led the National Democratic Alliance.
Ans : Bharatiya Janata Party led the National Democratic Alliance
Q. 8. After Advani who became the president of BJP ?
Ans : Sushma Swaraj became the President of BJP after Advani.
Q. 9. How many parties formed the NDA ?
Ans : 24 parties formed the NDA.
Q. 10. Which political party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 Parliamentary Elections ?
Ans : Indian National Congress emerged as the single largest party in 1996 Parliamentary Elections.
Q. 11. Write any one recommendation of Mandal Commission.
Ans : One recommendation of Mandal Commission was that other Backward castes should be given 27% reservation in government services.
Q. 12. What is Mandal Commission ?
Ans : The commission which was set up by Janata Party for upliftment of backward castes in north India is called Mandal Commission.
Q. 13. What do you mean by UPA ?
Ans : UPA means United Progressive Alliance.
Q 14. Who provided the leadership to NDA government ?
Ans : Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee provided the leadership to NDA. government.
Q. 15. Who was Kanshi Ram?
Ans : Kanshi Ram was the proponent of Bahujan empowerment and founder of Bahujan Samaj Party (B.S.P.)
Q. 16. Write one cause responsible for the growth of regional parties.
Ans : One cause responsible for the growth of regional parties is the inability of the Central Government to meet the demands of the different regions.
Q. 17. In which year Janata Dal was formed ?
Ans : 1988.
Q. 18. In which year Bharatiya Janata Party was established ?
Ans : 1980.
Q. 19. Who was the head of the Coalition Govt from 1999 to 2004 ?
Ans : Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Q. 20. Which leader of B.J.P. called Mahammad Ali Jinnah as a secular leader.
Ans : LK. Advani.
Q. 21. After Advani who became the President of B.J.P. ?
Ans : Pramod Mohajan.
Q. 22. What is meant by Hinduism or Hindutva ?
Ans : Giving importance to Hindu religion.
Q. 23. Who became the Prime Minister of India after 2004 election.
Ans : Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Q. 24. Fill in the blanks :
(a) The Govt of India appointed Mandal Commission in ___.
Ans : 1990.
(b) Prime Minister___ was assassinated on 31st October,1984.
Ans : Indira Gandhi.
(c) Is the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ans : Omar Abdullah.
SHORT ANSWER
Q. 1. Are regional parties necessary ? Give any two arguments in support of your answer.
Ans : Yes, Regional Parties are indeed very necessary in a heterogeneous country like India because of the following two reasons-
(i) Regional parties work in a narrow region which helps in solving the various problems of that region without great difficulty.
(ii) The people of a region gets wider representation with greater number of regional parties.
Q. 2. What do you know about NDA ?
Ans : The BJP led alliance is known as NDA or National Democratic Alliance. It first came to power in 1998 with its 24 coalition partners got majority in Lok Sabha with TDP being the second major partner with 29 MP’s. The NDP government passed the Prevention of Terrorists Act (POTA) in 2002 to counter against terrorists.
Q. 3. How many seats were secured by BJP and Congress in 2004 elections ?
Ans : In 2004 general elections BJP secure 138 seats and Congress secured 145 seats.
Q. 4. What were the new economic reforms and when were the new economic reforms announced ?
Ans : The new economic reform is called Structural Adjustment Programme or the new economic reforms initiated by Rajiv Gandhi followed by the various governments took a radically different turn. These changes first became very visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction than the Indian economy had persuade since independence. Though these policies have been widely criticised by various movements and organisations, but the various governments that came to power in this period have continued to follow these. The new economic reforms were announced in 1991.
Q. 5. Trace the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
Ans : Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991, May when he was on an election campaign in place called Sri Perumbudur. The assassinators were Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE militants, who came to India as suicide bombers. The death of Rajiv Gandhi led to the appointment of Narasimha Rao as the Prime Minister.
Q. 6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin ?
Ans : The new era of “coalition politics” begin in the year 1989 when no political party get majority of seats. The National Front formed a coalition government for first time with Congress as opposition party.
Q. 7. Trace the status of BSP.
Ans : In 14 April, 1984 the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was emerged under the leadership of proponent of Bahujan empowerment leader Kanshi Ram. The BSP began as a small party supported by largely Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. But in 1989 and the 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough in Uttar Pradesh. This was first time in independent India that a political party supported mainly by Dalit voters had achieved this kind of political success.
Q. 8. What do you mean by coalition government? When was the coalition govt. formed for the first time at the centre ?
Ans : A broad arrangement between two or more political parties to run a government is called coalition government. Formation of such a government takes place when no political party gets a clear majority. Thus many political parties national or regional join hands for powersharing It must be noted that general coalition governments are not stable.
The first coalition government was formed in India on 24th March 1977.
Q. 9. Which election led to the era of coalitions and why ?
Ans : The 1989 election led to the era of coalitions because in 1989 Lok Sabha election no one got the required majority. Though the congress was the largest party in the Lok Sabha, it did not have a clear majority and therefore it decided to sit in the opposition. So Janata Dal led by V.P. Singh was to form the government. After he was assured of support by BJP and Left Parties along with some regional parties, the National Front formed a coalition government.
Q. 10. When Mandal issue was raised in Indian Politics ?
Ans : In Indian politics the Mandal issue was raised in the year 1978.
Q. 11. Which political party pursued the politics of Hindutva ?
Ans : Bharatiya Janata Party pursued the politics of Hindutva which literally means Hinduism.
Q. 12. What is BAMCEF? In which year it was formed ?
Ans : The full form of BAMCEF is the Backward and Minority classes Employees Federation. In the year 1978 Kanshi Ram was founded the BAMCEF his organisation was not an ordinary trade union of government employees, but it took a strong position in favour of political power to the Bahujan – the SC. ST. OBC and other minorities
Q. 13. Write the full form of AIADMK.
Ans : The full form of AIADMK is All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhaguam.
Q. 14.Write the two features of coalition government in India.
Ans : The two features of Coalition Government in India are-
(i)The coalition Government is subjected to lot of adjustments. It must take note of that all allied are contended. Any would lead to break down of the alliance and also of the government.
(ii) Regional political parties have started playing a major role in formation of the coalition Government. This was clearly sun in the NDA alliance and also the present UPA alliance.
Q. 15. Write few lines about economic globalisation.
Ans : Economic Globalisation normally deals with great economic flows between different countries of the world. This process is influenced by voluntary cooperation among nations while some of it is forced by international institutions and powerful nations. The flow takes place through exchange of commodities, capital, people and ideas. Restrictions imposed by different states on each other’s imports have been removed.
Q.16. What were the main manifesto of BJP ?
Ans :The Bharatiya Janata Party was formally launched as an independent political organisation in February, 1980. At this historical occasion, it declared it manifesto to furthering of national integration, democracy, positive secularism and value based politics, besides the decentralisation of economic and political power,
Q. 17. Since 1989 until the election of 2004 which party has been gaining strength in Lok Sabha ?
Ans : Bharatiya Janata Party is gaining strength in Loksabha since 1989 until the elections of 2004.
Q. 18. In which year, which political party emerged as the single largest party in parliamentary elections ?
Ans : Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest political party in the parliamentary elections of India in 1998.
Q.19. How many parties formed the NDA ?
Ans : 24 parties formed NDA.
Q. 20. Briefly trace the issue of Karseva ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 11. (Long Answer)
Q. 21. Trace the status of BSP ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 7. (Short Answer)
Q. 22. Write a note on U.F. (United Front) ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 12. (Short Answer)
Q. 23. When and why the Backward and Minority classes Employees Federation formed ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 12. (Short Answer)
Q.24. Write the rise of OBCs in North Indian Politics.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 1. (Long Answer)
LONG ANSWER
Q. 1. List the parties having a powerful rural base among the OBC.
Ans : The constituents of the Janata Party, like the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and the Samyukta Socialist Party had a powerful rural base among some sections of the OBC’s.
Q. 2.Discuss the role of BSP.
Ans : In 14th April, 1984, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was emerged under the leadership of proponent of Bahujan empowerment leader Kanshi Ram.
(i) The BSP began as a small party supported by largely Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but it has expanded its -support now to various other social group.
(ii) It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujan (SC, ST and OBCs and Religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population and were a formidable political force on the strength of their members.
(iii) Since its inception the BSP has emerged or a major political player in state and has been in government on more than one occasion.
(iv) In 1989 and the 1991 elections, BSP achieved a breakthrough in Uttar Pradesh. This was first time in independent India that a political party supported mainly by Dalit voters had achieved this kind of political success.
Q. 3. What led to the serious debate over secularism ?
Ans : The rise of politics based on religious identity and the demolition of the disputed mosque at Ayodhya led to the serious debate over secularism. During this time, there has been a debate about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes. Parties like BJP emphasis the Hindu nationalist element in its ideology, and adopted the strategy to mobilising the Hindus.
The demolition of the disputed mosque at Ayodhya on 6 December 1992 by Karsevaks led to a serious debate over secularism and posed the kind of questions on the secular concept of India. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared that this was against the principles of secularism. This new led to clashes between the Hindus and Muslims in many parts of the country. The violence in Mumbai erupted again in January 1993 and continued for over two weeks.
Q. 4. Write a note on Hung Parliament.
Ans : When no political party secures a clear majority in the Parliament, this situation is called “Hung Parliament”. For instance, the 1996 elections threw a hung parliament. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 161 seats. It was invited to form the government . However, its leader Atal Behari Vajpayee had to resign from the seat of Prime Minister within 13 days due to lack of majority. The second largest party Congress with 140 seats was unwilling to form a government. The onus thus fell on Janata Dal, regional parties and leftist parties to provide a stable coalition government. The Janata Dal decided to lead the 13party coalition government called United Front (UF).
Q. 5. Mention the main points of criticism of the Mandal Commission Report.
Ans : The Mandal Commission was set up to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of Indian society and recommend ways of identifying these “backward classes”. There could we cited some criticism of the Mandal Commission Report though it was a best one-
(i) The government was too early to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.
(ii)The people from North India were not satisfied with the decision of the government.
Q. 6. List the four groups which emerged in 1990’s.
Ans : In 1990’s four major groups had emerged in Indian Politics.
These groups are :
(i) Parties that are in coalition with the Congress.
(ii) Parties that are in alliance with the BJp.
(iii) Left Front Parties.
(iv) Other parties who are not part of any of the above three.
Q. 7. Why is the importance of regional parties increasing in India ?
Ans : The importance of Regional Parties are increasing in India because :
(i) There has been multiple member of political parties at the Centre or national level. During elections these parties try its best to secure maximum number of votes to form the government. But due to innumerable number of political parties no party could form the government. Due to inadequacy of votes, these parties invite the regional parties for power sharing.
(ii) The Regional political parties are now a days addressing and focussing the regional problems. They have been many a times successful in converting a regional problems into a national problem. This is helping the regional parties to gain importance after every passing day.
Q. 8. Trace the emergence of BJP as a powerful force in post-emergency politics.
Ans : BJP – The Bharatiya Janata Party was formally launched as in independent political organisation in February 1980, after split of the Janata Party on the R.S.S. iue. Most of the erstwhile Jana Sangh members along with a few others, left the Janata Party to form the BJP. Thus the BJP is a reincarnation of the Jana Sangh the militant Hindu nationalist party founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
The object of the Jana Sangh was the rebuilding of Bharat as a modern, democratic society in accordance with religious precepts. The party adopted four fundamentals, one country, one nation, one culture and a rule of law that would determine its future course of action. Secularism for the Jana Sangh, was simply a disguised policy of Muslim appeasement. The Sangh did not recognise the partition of India and supported foreign policy of non-involvement.
It wanted a united India under a unitary state, with Hindi as the national language. It has been closely associated with the R.S.S. Indeed, Nehru described the party as its illegitimate child. Most of the Jana Sangh’s support came from the Hindi speaking a party of the urban educated Hindu middle classes, professionals, small businessman, and white collar workers.
The Jana Sangh’s experience as a unit of the Janata Party, its administrative experience in national government and its close association with Jaya Prakash Narayan all seen to have brought about considerable transformation of its ideologies. From an ideology of Hindu chauvinism with an emphasis on Bharatiya culture, Hindi language and militant anti-Pakistan foreign policy, it has moved to non-communal and pragmatic political and economic policies.
The BJP believes in Gandhian socialism. The party says that its ideology is inspired not only by Gandhi and JP but also by Deendayal Upadhyaya. It stands for positive socialism and clear government . While laying emphasis on the “Hindu idiom” in its poll manifesto, the party stands for justice for all and appeasement of none.
The party would continue the policy of reservations for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, apply the same policy to the recommendations of the Mandal commission. The party would also provide reservations for other weaker sections on the basis of their eco condition. In the economic arena the party favours writing off the debts of farmers, labours and artisans. The party also favours smaller and stronger states, desires to abolish Article 370, favours in uniform civil code and would like to establish Human Rights commission.
The Jana Sangh has been closely associated with the RSS. The RSS has served as the organisational base for party. The BJP being its successor, What type of relationship it has with the RSS? The official stand of the BJP and the RSS it that these are two seperate organisations working in two different fields. Besides, they do not interfere in each – other’s work. But an overwhelming majority of the BJP workers have RSS background, therefore a large number of people think that the two organisations belong to the one and same family. Even the BJP has reaffirmed its RSS link. It sees this link as vital to its newly emphasised commitment to national unity since it believes that the RSS’s patriotism is unmatched. It is, in fact proud of its link with RSS. The BJP is now being viewed as an alternative to the centrist parties that have so far had a monopoly on power.
The BJP has achieved this status because of its strong organisation and distinct identity. As a cadre based party guided by a distinct ideology, the BJP has certain inbuilt advantages. It can work towards consolidating its electoral gains, and does not necessarily have to depend on waves and winds everytime it faces an election can the BJP then explode the myth that India can only be’ ruled by the centrist? It has always been said that this country is too plural to be ruled by a right wing party and too traditional to accept the left.
Q. 9. Write short note on Gujarat Riots.
Ans : In February March 2002, large scale violence against Muslims took place in Gujarat. The immediate provocation for this violence was an incident that took at a station called Godhra. A bogey of a train that was returning from Ayodhya and was full of Karsevaks was set on fire. Fifty seven people died in the fire. Suspecting the hand of the Muslims in setting fire to the bogey. Large scale violence against Muslims began in many parts of Gujarat from the next day. This violence contained for almost a whole month. Nearly 1100 persons, mainly Muslims, were killed in this violence.
Q. 10. Briefly trace the issue of Karseva.
Ans : In December 1992, the organisation supporting the construction of the temple had organised a Karseva, meaning voluntary service by the devotees, for building the Ram Temple. Two famous turmoil was happened to occur in Indian politics for this Karseva issue. The first one was the demolition of the disputed mosque at Ayodhya on 6 December 1992 by Karsevaks which led to serious debate our secularism. Secondly the Godhra riots where Karsevaks returning from Ayodhya was set on fire, suspecting the hand of the Muslims.
Q.11. State the main issues in Indian Politics in the period after 1989. What different configuration of political parties these differences lead to ?
Ans : The period after 1989 is seen sometimes as the period of decline of congress and rise of BJP.
(i) BJP and Congress were engaged in a tough competition in this period.
(ii) Since the 1989 election, the votes pulled by the two parties, Congress and the BJP do not add up to more than fifty percent. The seats won by them too, do not add up to more than half the seats in the Lok Sabha.
(iii) Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP but they came together to form a government and remained in power for a full form.
(iv) In this period state level political parties are sharing power at the national level and have played a central role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or so.
Q. 12.Explain Lok Sabha election 2004.
Ans : In the election of 2004, the congress party too entered into coalition in a big way. The NDA, was defeated and a new coalition government led by the Con ess, known as the United Progressive Alliance came to power. This government received support from the Left Front Parties. The election of 2004 also witnessed the partial revival of Congress party. However in the 2004 elections, there was a negligible differences between the votes polled by the Congress and its allies and the BJP and its allies. Thus, the party system has now changed almost dramatically from what it was till the seventies.
Q. 13. Write any four features of the coalition government.
Ans : A broad arrangement between two or more political parties to run a government is called Coalition Government. The following are the some important features of the Coalition Government-
(i) The parties agreeing to form coalition form a common minimum programme. It is formed taking some common goals into consideration.
(ii) Coalition Governments are formed when no political party secures clear majority. The parties ideologically congruent or incongruent may come together for formation of government.
(iii) Coalition Governments tend to be temporary. When a coalition partner suddenly withdraws from the government then it is reduced to minority and many a times leading to breakdown of the government.
(iv) In coalition Governments, the political parties may be regional or national. For example – Asom Gana Parishad was an ally in the BJP led NDA coalition.
Q. 14. Explain briefly any four developments witnessed by the country from 1989 to 1992.
Ans : Any four developments, witnessed by the country from 1989 to 1992 are given below :
(i) Development on the agreement of new economic policies while many groups are opposed to the new economic policies, most political
parties are in support of the new economic policies. (ii) Acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes political parties have recognised that the social and political claims of the backward castes need to be accepted. As a result all political parties now support reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment.
(iii) Development of state level parties in governance of the country the distinction between state level and national level parties is fast becoming less important. State level parties are sharing power at the national level and have played a central role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or so.
(iv) Emphasis on pragmatic consideration rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement -coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Most parties of the NDA did not agree with the “Hindutva” ideology of the BJP, yet they came together to form a government and remained in power for a full term.
Q. 15. Write any four major politics of Janata Dal.
Ans : In October 1988 Janata party decided to merge itself with a section of Lok Dal, then headed by Haryana Chief Minister Debi Lal and thus they formed a new political party called Janata Dal. Ajit Singh faction of the Lok Dal also joined the Janata Dal. At the time of its foundation some of the policies and programme of this party were clearly stated by the leadership.
These policies are like:
(i) The party promised first of all a clean and efficient administration.
(ii) It also promised to incorporate the right to work as a fundamental right in the constitution and to ensuring the right to information in the constitution.
(iii) It wants to give special protections to weaker sections and backward classes.
(iv) It promised to introduce comprehensive electoral reforms.
Q. 16. Why are the regional parties becoming more popular these days ?
Ans : The Regional Political parties becoming more popular these days, because they represent not only the newly emergent regional elite but also the total complex of regional values and regional ambitious. The phenomenon points to the slow and gradual development of federal politics in India. The regional political parties are now a days addressing and focussing the regional problems. They have been many a times successful in converting a regional problem into a national problem. This is helping the regional parties to gain importance after every passing day.
Q. 17. Write two advantages and two disadvantages of ‘Coalition Govt’ in India ?
Ans : Two advantages of “Coalition Govt” in India:
(i) Coalition govt gives spaces to the regional political parties.
(ii) Coalition govt can provide wide based representation to various sections of people and groups.
Two disadvantages of “Coalition Govt” in India :
(i) Coalition govt is temporary. It can not last long.
(ii) Coalition govt has no ideological commitment.
Q. 18. In 2002 large scale violence against Muslims took place. Explain ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 9. (Long Answer)
Q. 19. Explain the rise of Janata Dal ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 7. (Very Long Answer)
Q. 20. Describe briefly any four main developments, witnessed by the country from 1989 to 1992.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 15. (Long Answer)
Q. 21. What have been the major trends in the electoral performance of the congress and the BJP Since 1989 ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q: No. 12. (Long Answer)
| Sl. No. | CONTENTS |
| Unit 1 | PART – 1 |
| Chapter 1 | The Cold War Era |
| Chapter 2 | The End of Bipolarity |
| Chapter 3 | US Hegemony in World Politics |
| Chapter 4 | Alternative Centres Of Power |
| Chapter 5 | Contemporary South Asia |
| Chapter 6 | International Organisations |
| Chapter 7 | Security In The Contemporary World |
| Chapter 8 | Environment And Natural Resources |
| Chapter 9 | Globalisation |
| Unit 2 | PART – 2 |
| Chapter 1 | Era of One-Party Dominance |
| Chapter 2 | Challenges of Nation Building |
| Chapter 3 | Politics Of Planned Development |
| Chapter 4 | India’s External Relations |
| Chapter 5 | Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System |
| Chapter 6 | The Crisis of Democratic Order |
| Chapter 7 | Rise of Popular Movements |
| Chapter 8 | Regional Aspirations |
| Chapter 9 | Recent Developments in India Politics |
Q. 22. Explain any four reasons for the emergence of the coalition era in the Indian democratic system ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 14. (Short Answer)
Q. 23. Write the role of Telegu Desam ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No.11. (Very Long Answer)
VERY LONG ANSWER
Q. 1. Explain the politics and programme of Bharatiya Janata Party.
Ans : BJP The Bharatiya Janata Party was formally launched as in independent political organisation in February 1980, after split of the Janata Party on the R.S.S. i.e. Most of the erstwhile Jana Sangh members along with a few others, left the Janata Party to form the BJP. Thus the BJP is a reincarnation of the Jana Sangh the militant Hindu nationalist party founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
The object of the Jana Sangh was the rebuilding of Bharat as a modern, democratic society in accordance with religious precepts. The party adopted four fundamentals, one country, one nation, one culture and a rule of law that would determine its future course of action. Secularism for the Jana Sangh, was simply a disguised policy of Muslim appeasement. The Sangh did not recognise the partition of India and supported foreign policy of non-involvement. It wanted a united India under a unitary state, with Hindi as the national language. It has been closely associated with the R.S.S. Indeed, Nehru described the party as its illegitimate child. Most of the Jana Sangh’s support came from the Hindi speaking a party of the urban educated Hindu middle classes-professionals, small businessman, and white-collar workers.
The Jana Sangh’s experience as a unit of the Janata Party, its administrative experience in,national government and its close association with Jaya Prakash Narayan all seen to have brought about considerable transformation of its ideologies. From an ideology of Hindu chauvinism. with an emphasis on Bharatiya culture, Hindi language and militant anti-Pakistan foreign policy, it has moved to non-communal and pragmatic political and economic policies.
The BJP believes in Gandhian socialism. The party says that its ideology is inspired not only by Gandhi and JP but also by Deendayal Upadhyaya. It stands for positive socialism and clear government. While laying emphasis on the “Hindu idiom” in its poll manifesto, the party stands for justice for all and appeasement of none.
The party would continue the policy of reservations for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, apply the same policy to the recommendations of the Mandal commission. The party would also provide reservations for other weaker sections on the basis of their eco condition. In the economic arena the party favours writing off the debts of farmers, labourers and artisans, The party also favours smaller and stronger states, desires to abolish Article 370, favours in uniform civil code and would like to establish Human Rights commission.
The Jana Sangh has been closely associated with the RSS. The RSS has served as the organisational base for party. The BJP being its successor, What type of relationship it has with the RSS? The official stand of the BJP and the RSS it that these are two separate organisations working in two different fields. Besides, they do not interfere in each – other’s work.
But an overwhelming majority of the BJP workers have RSS background, therefore a large number of people think that the two organisations belong to the one and same family. Even the BJP has reaffirmed its RSS link. It sees this link as vital to its newly emphasised commitment to national unity since it believes that the RSS’s patriotism is unmatched. It is, in fact proud of its link with RSS. The BJP is now being viewed as an alternative to the centrist parties that have so far had a monopoly on power.
The BJP has achieved this status because of its strong organisation and distinct identity. As a cadre based party guided by a distinct ideology, the BJP has certain inbuilt advantages. It can work towards consolidating its electoral gains, and does not necessarily have to depend on waves and winds everytime it faces an election can the BJP then explode the myth that India can only be ruled by the centrist? It has always been said that this country is too plural to be ruled by a right wing party and too traditional to accept the left.
Q. 2. “In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideology.” What argument would you put forward to support or oppose this statement ?
Ans : It is rightly said that in the new era of Coalition Politics political parties are not aligning or re-aligning on the basis of ideology. Political parties are aligning themselves with one objective that is gain or share power. The alliances or coalition are formed not on the basis of any principle but for opportunistic consideration. The coalition government formed in India after 1990’s are basically non-principled coalition.
Q. 3. In Spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress Party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reason.
Ans : Yes, we agree with the statement that in spite of the decline of congress dominance, the congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Although the dominance of the party cane to an end defeat in the Lok Sabha elections held in 1989, yet soon after it again came into power in 1991 and remained in power upto 1996. Similarly, although the party lost the elections in 1999, it worked as the main opposition party in the Lok Sabha. Again, in the elections held in 2004, the congress party came out as the single largest party winning 145 seats UPA government was formed under the leadership of the congress party under its leader Dr. Manmohan Singh, this government has already completed four years in office and still continues to rule the country. Similarly, the governments formed by the congress party are working. It has formed governments in Jammu and Kashmir (in coalition with PDP) Delhi, Uttaranchal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and many other states. Even now the politics of the country revolves around the congress and it has presence throughout the country.
Being the oldest political party, it has its presence in every corner of India. Infact other parties frame their policies and programmes keeping in view the policies and activities of the party. Besides, the party played an important role in the presidential election held in 2007. Thus, we can say that the influence of the congress party is continuing to influence politics in the country. In the Lok Sabha elections held in 2009, the party improved its performance in the Lok Sabha and won 206 seats.
Since it was not able to get an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, it was not able to form the government on its own, As a result the party has been able to form a coalition government under its leader Dr. Manmohan Singh with the help of some other parties like DMK Nationalist congress party, Trinamool congress and National conference Jammu and Kashmir. At present, its leader Dr. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister of India. So the era of coalition continues in Indian politics.
Q. 4. Examine the growing consensus over the crucial issues.
Ans : In the mist of severe competition and many conflicts a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties. This consensus consists of four elements.
(i) Agreement on New Economic policies :- While many groups ue opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are
in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that there policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
(ii) Acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes :- Political parties have recognised that the social and political claims of the backward castes need to be accepted. As a result, all political parties now support reservation of seats for the “backward classes’ in education and employment and also willing to ensure that the OBC’s get adequate share of power.
(iii) Acceptance of the role of state level parties in governance of the country :- The distinction between state level and national level and national level parties is fast becoming less important. The state level parties are sharing power at the national level and have played a central role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or SO.
(iv) Emphasis on pragmatic consideration rather than ideological position and political alliances without ideological agreement :- Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. All these are momentous changes and are going to shape politics in near future.
Q. 5. Write a note on the Hindu- Muslim riots in Gujarat.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 9. (Long Answer)
Q. 6. Many people think that a two party system is required for successful democracy. Drawing from India’s experience of last twenty years, write an essay on what advantages the present party system in India has ?
Ans : Party system is essential for a democratic system of government. Many people think that a two party system is required for successful democracy. For example in England and U.S. democracy is very successful due to two party system. The main advantage of the two party system is that in it the formation of ministry is very easy. In a two party system the government is stable and responsible. In India multiparty system exists. Upto 1967 Indian politics was dominated by congress party. But after 1967 gradually coalition politics developed. After 1989 coalition Government is the main feature of Indian party system. In March, 2009 the Election commission recognised seven National parties and 44 state or regional parties. Present party system is working very successful in india. The present party system in India has following advantages :- An important advantage of present party system is that in the legislature all shades of opinion get representation. In India there exists various political parties which represent different section of people or different shades of opinion. In india due to multiple party system voters enjoy a greater degree of independence and choices because so many political parties contest the election.
The present party system is the best because in India there exist several distinct cultural ethnic religious linguistic caste groups. Two party system cannot satisfy the different cultural groups. The tridity inhabiting North-Eastern regions, for instance do not identity themselves with the National parties. Instead they have real sympathy for the regional parties. Present party system satisfies regional feelings and aspirations of the people. In fact, regional parties contribute to the strengthening the need for fulfilling the regional aspirations.
Q. 7. Explain the rise of Janata Dal ?
Ans : The Janata Dal as a new political party emerged in October 1988 with the merger of the Janata Party. Lok Dal (B), Jana Marcha and the Congress (S), Like the Congress Party, the Janata Dal is an Umbrella organisation, it contained many anti-congress groups. It has tried to project itself on the national alternative and took the initiative in forming a broad All India Coalition of opposition parties under the umbrella of the National Front. The strategy of Janata Dal has paid rich dividends on the eve of the ninth Lok Sabha elections and National Front came to power at the centre with the Janata Dal as its principal components.The implication of this strategy is quite simple. Since the Janata Dal is part of the National Front Alliance, it follows that the JD will not try to confront or build up its independent political base in those states where NF partners are in power. It is clear that in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Punjab and Assam, for example, the Janata Dal will exists as a surrogate of the Telegu Desam or Asom Gana Parishad or whatever regional party is its ally.
Q. 8. Write a short note on United Progressive Alliance Govt.
Ans : In 2004 elections congress forged new alliances with DMK, PMK, AIADMK in Tamilnadu, with TRS with the left in Andhra Pradesh, with RJD in Bihar, with NCP in Maharashtra. This new Coalition Government led by Congress known as the United Progressive Alliance. This government received support from the Left Front Parties. This strategy clicked as Congress emerged as the single largest party with 145 seats, its alliance got 219 seats. Since the leftiest parties also got over 60 seats, Congress formed UPA government with outside support of the left. The National common Minimum Programme acts as a road map for the government. This election saw the downfall of Vajpayee’s NDA and installation of another coalition led by Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Q. 9. What policy led the policy makers to reduce the importance of state in India’s economy from 1980’s onwards ?
Ans : The policy of economic liberalisation made the policy makers to reduce the importance of state in India’s economy from 1980’s onwards. During 1980’s macro-economic policies such as industrial policy, fiscal policy, exchange rate policy export-import policy and monetary policy underwent perceptible changes manifesting a shift from highly controlled economy to liberalised economy. The term New Economic Policy (NEP) is a significator of the process of dismantling, license permit subridy Raj and to infuse liberalisation doesn’t mean laisses faire.
In Fact the NEP is based on the promise that all the interventionist policies may not be desirable. Hence, New Economic Policy seeks to serap the undesirable rests actions, controls and licensing over investment, imparts and production.
The main ingredients of the New Economic Policy may be spelled as follows:
(i) Restoration of competition.
(ii)Progressive dismantling of industrial licensing system.
(iii) Liberalisation of trade regime and ushering in a new era of competitiveness in imports and exports.
(iv) Re-orientation of fiscal policy.
(v) A bigger role for the private sector.
(vi) Technological upgradation in all the spheres of economic activities to take the country to 21st century.
Q. 10. Write a short note on NDA.
Ans : The BJP led coalition government is called National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This coalition won 251 seats in 1998 elections with BJP winning about 182 seats. The coalition survived due to the absenteeism of 12 members of TDP and somehow passed a crucial test of stability and instability. However, the 1998 BJP led coalition fell by one vote 269 :
270 when AIADMK withdrew its support in April 1999 demanding the removal of Defence Minister George Fernandes. The short lived Vajpayee Government put stamp on India’s Nuclear Power with five nuclear tests at Pokhran in May 1998. k also oversaw country’s defence during the Kargil conflict with Pakistan, when Indian military has to fight hard to recover strategie mountain pasts from Pakistan soldiers who had entered the Indian Line of Control. It was in this backdrop that election were held in 1999.
The BJP led alliance now known as NDA with its 24 coalition partners got majority in Lok Sabha with TDP being the second major partner with 29 MP’s. The NDA government passed the Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA) in 2002 to counter against terrorists. POTA came after the attacks on Indian Parliament in December 2001.
Q.11. Evaluate the role played by Telegu Desam Party and AIADMK after the elections of 1998.
Ans : The regional political parties are now a days addressing and focussing the regional problems. As a regional political parties Telegu Desam Party and AIADMK played important role in Indian politics from its emergence. In 1998 elections the BJP led coalition called NDA was formed. This coalition won 251 seats in 1998 elections with BJP winning about 182 seats.
The coalition survived due to the absenteeism of 12 members of TDP and somehow passed a crucial test of stability and instability. However, the 1998 BJP led coalition fell by one vote 269 : 270 when AIADMK withdrew its support in April 1999 demanding the removal of Defence Minister George Fernandes. The short lived Vajpayee government put stamp on India’s nuclear power with five nuclear tests at Pokhran in May 1998.
It also oversaw country’s defence during the Kargil conflict with Pakistan, when Indian Military had to fight hard to recover strategic mountain posts from Pakistan soldiers who had entered the Indian Line of Control. It was in this backdrop that election were held in 1999. The BJP led alliance now known as NDA with its 24 coalition, partners got majority in Lok Sabha with TDP being the second major partner with 29 MP’s.
In 2004 elections Congress forged new alliances with AIADMK, PMK, TRS and other parties. In this election congress emerged as single largest party with 145 seats, AIADMK with other parties alliance got 219 seats.
Q. 12. What do you understand by United Front.
Ans : On April 19, the left parties managed to prevail on the United Front Partners in the election of a ‘consensus’ candidate for the post of Prime Minister. The CPI (M) General Secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet successfully blocked the names of the candidate whom the left parties didn’t like to see as the Prime Minister. The names of Laloo Prasad Yadave, Mulayam Singh were overlooked because of corruption charges for the formers and embitterment of relations with the latter GK Moopuar was also not able to reach to the topmost position of PM because of his close relationship with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
Neither the TDP nor the DMK came forward to propose his name. Telegu Desam’s Chandrababu Naidu, who assumed the role of king maker in the crisis, was privately favouring the name of external affairs Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. The endorsement of Gujral’s candidature by the Front’s steering committee set the stage for the formation of a new UF Coalition.
Q. 13. Analyse the policies and programme of National Democratic Alliance ?
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No, 10. (Very Long Answer).
Q. 14. “In the midst of severe competition and many conflict, a consensus appears to have emerged among most of the political parties.” In the light of above statement highlight any three points of consensus.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q, No. 4. (Very Long Answer)
Q. 15. Discuss the main features of coalition Govt.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q, No.14. (Long Answer).
Q. 16. Evaluate the Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q, No. 9. (Long Answer).
Q. 17.Write short notes on :
(a) Ayodhya dispute.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 11. (Long Answer).
(b) New Economic reform-1991.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 9. (Very Long Answer) :
(c) Anti-Muslim Riot in Gujarat.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 9. (Long Answer).
(d) Political Rise of other Backward Classes.
Ans : Same as Ans of Q. No. 1. (Long Answer).
MULTIPLE CHOICE ANSWER
Q. 18. (a) Match the following.
| (1) Political consensus. | (i) Shah Bano Case. |
| (2) Caste based parties. | (ii) Rise of OBC’s. |
| (3) Personal law and gender justice. | (iii) Coalition government. |
| (4) Growing strength of regional parties politics. | (iv) Agreement of economic. |
Ans:
| (1) (a) Politics of consensus policies. | (iv) Agreement on Economic |
| (2) (b) Caste based parties. | (ii) Rise of OBCS |
| (3) (c)Personal Law and Gender Justice. | (i) Shah Bano case. |
| (4) Growing strength of Regional parties. | (iii)Coalition government. |
(b) Arrange the disarranged press clipping file chronologically :
(i) Mandal recommendations and anti-reservation stir.
(ii) Formation of the Janata Dal.
(iii) The demolition of the Babri Masjid.
(iv) Assassination of Indira Gandhi.
(v) The formation of NDA government.
(vi) Godhra incident and its fallout.
(vii) Formation of the UPA government.
Ans : 1. (d) Assassination of Indira Gandhi.
2. (h) Formation of the Janata Dal.
3. (a) Mandal Recommendation and Anti-Reservation Stir.
4.(c) The demolition of Babri Masjid,
5. (e) The formation of NDA government.
6. (f) Godhra incident and its fallout.
7. (g) Formation of the UPA government.
(c) Fill in the blanks :
(i) The Government of India appointed a Mandal Commission in the year ___.
Ans : 1978.
(ii) Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party was rejected by the masses in the general elections of___
Ans : 1977.
(iii) Prime Minister was___assassinated on 31st October,1984.
Ans : Indira Gandhi.
(iv) ___is the President of National Conference.
Ans : Sheikh Abdullah.
(iv) ___is the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ans : Omar Abdullah.
(vi) ___ gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Ans : Article 370.
(vii) Hindutva literally means___.
Ans : Hinduness.
(vii) The Bharatiya Jana Sangh had merged into___.
Ans : Bharatiya Janata Party.
(ix) Thousands of people gathered from all over the country at Ayodhya on___my and demolished the mosque.
Ans : 6th December 1992.
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