Recent Developments in Indian Politics

India’s political landscape has undergone significant transformations since the late 1980s, marking the decline of single-party dominance and the rise of coalition governments, economic reforms, caste-based mobilization, and religious-political movements. This period has shaped the country's democratic processes, influencing governance, electoral trends, and policy decisions. This essay explores the major political developments from the late 1980s to the present, highlighting key changes in party politics, coalition governments, caste and communal issues, economic policies, and electoral trends.

1. Context of the 1990s: A Turning Point in Indian Politics

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a series of crucial developments that fundamentally changed India’s political dynamics. The period witnessed the weakening of the Congress Party’s dominance, the rise of caste-based and regional parties, economic liberalization, and religious-political movements.

1.1 Decline of Congress Dominance

For decades after independence, Congress enjoyed a dominant position in Indian politics. However, in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections, Congress suffered a major defeat, winning only 197 seats, a steep decline from its 415 seats in 1984. This marked the end of the ‘Congress System,’ a term coined by political scientists to describe the party’s hegemonic control over Indian politics.

Though Congress returned to power in 1991 under P.V. Narasimha Rao, it never regained the same dominance. The emergence of strong regional parties and ideological shifts reshaped India’s political landscape, leading to an era of coalition governments.

1.2 Rise of the Mandal Issue and OBC Politics

A defining moment in the 1990s was the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations by the National Front government in 1990. The commission recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions. This decision led to widespread protests, particularly among upper-caste youth, who feared reduced opportunities.

Despite initial opposition, the Mandal reforms had a lasting impact on Indian politics. Several caste-based parties, such as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), gained prominence, advocating for OBC rights. This era marked the rise of identity politics, where caste played a crucial role in electoral strategies.

1.3 Economic Reforms and Liberalization

India’s economic policies took a major turn in 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The country adopted the New Economic Policy, which introduced liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG). These reforms ended the era of socialist economic planning and state-controlled industries.

While economic liberalization led to rapid economic growth, attracting foreign investment and boosting industries, it also faced criticism. Critics argued that the reforms increased income inequality and favored urban elites over rural populations. Despite these debates, successive governments—whether led by the BJP or Congress—continued these economic policies, making liberalization a long-term political consensus.

1.4 The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement and Communal Politics

Another significant development of the 1990s was the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which centered on the dispute over the Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The movement, led by the BJP and right-wing Hindu organizations, demanded the construction of a Ram temple at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.

In 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu activists, leading to nationwide communal riots.

The incident strengthened Hindutva politics, helping the BJP expand its voter base.

The legal dispute over Ayodhya continued for decades, finally being resolved in 2019 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of constructing the Ram Temple.

This movement had a lasting impact on India’s secularism and electoral politics, making religious identity a significant factor in political mobilization.

2. The Era of Coalition Politics (1989-2014)

The post-1989 era was characterized by coalition governments, as no single party could secure a majority in Lok Sabha elections. This period saw multiple alliances forming to govern the country.

2.1 Formation of Multi-Party Alliances

National Front (1989-1991): A coalition led by V.P. Singh, supported externally by the BJP and Left parties.

United Front (1996-1998): A coalition of regional and socialist parties, supported by Congress.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) (1998-2004): Led by the BJP, marking its rise as a national power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

United Progressive Alliance (UPA) (2004-2014): Led by Congress under Dr. Manmohan Singh, with support from the Left and regional parties.

2.2 Rise of Regional Parties

With the decline of Congress, regional parties like the DMK, AIADMK, TDP, BSP, SP, RJD, and Shiv Sena gained prominence. These parties played a key role in coalition governments, often influencing national policies despite their regional focus.

3. Political Shifts from 2014 Onwards: BJP’s Dominance

3.1 The Modi Era and BJP’s Majority Governments

The 2014 Lok Sabha elections marked a major shift in Indian politics. The BJP, under Narendra Modi, won 282 seats, securing an absolute majority—the first single-party majority since 1984. The party repeated its success in 2019, winning 303 seats.

Key factors behind BJP’s success:

Strong leadership under Modi, projecting a decisive and development-focused image.

Hindutva and Nationalism, appealing to a large section of voters.

Welfare Schemes, such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat.

Technological and Digital Campaigns, effectively using social media.

3.2 Decline of Congress and Opposition Challenges

Despite leading India for decades, Congress has struggled since 2014:

In 2014, it won only 44 seats, its worst-ever performance.

In 2019, it slightly improved to 52 seats, but remained weak.

Lack of strong leadership and internal conflicts have further weakened the party.

The opposition has failed to present a united front, allowing the BJP to dominate national politics.

4. Emerging Trends in Indian Politics

4.1 Growing Consensus on Key Issues

Despite ideological differences, most parties agree on certain key policies:

Economic Liberalization: All major parties now support market-driven reforms.

OBC Reservations: Affirmative action for backward classes is widely accepted.

Regional Parties' Role: State-level parties now play a crucial role in national politics.

Pragmatic Politics Over Ideology: Coalition governments have blurred ideological boundaries, as seen in alliances like the NDA and UPA.

4.2 The Future of Coalition Politics

While BJP secured majority governments in 2014 and 2019, coalition politics remains relevant, especially in states. Regional parties continue to influence governance, and future elections may witness a return to coalition governments.

5. Conclusion: The Evolving Nature of Indian Democracy

India’s political evolution over the past three decades highlights its dynamic and resilient democracy. The shift from Congress dominance to coalition politics, the rise of regional and caste-based parties, and the emergence of strong nationalist narratives have shaped governance in significant ways.

The future of Indian politics will depend on:

Whether Congress or a united opposition can challenge BJP’s dominance.

The role of regional parties in national governance.

How economic and social policies address issues like unemployment, inequality, and rural distress.

As India moves forward, its political landscape will continue to evolve, balancing democratic diversity, coalition challenges, and ideological contestations in an ever-changing global and domestic environment.