Class 12 Political Science Chapter 18 Recent Developments in India Politics The answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse through different chapters Assam Board HS Class 12 Political Science Chapter 18 Recent Developments in India Politics and select needs one.
Class 12 Political Science Chapter 18 Recent Developments in India Politics
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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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