Recent Developments in Indian Politics

Recent Developments in Indian Politics

 Introduction

Indian politics has undergone significant changes since 1989. This period marks the end of one-party dominance and the beginning of a new phase of politics characterised by coalition governments, rise of regional parties, identity-based politics, and increased role of mass media and judiciary.

These developments reshaped democracy, governance, and political participation in India.

 Era of Coalition Governments

Meaning:

A coalition government is formed when no single party gets a clear majority and multiple parties come together to form a government.

Key Features:

• Started after the 1989 General Elections

• Governments formed with support of many parties

• Greater role of regional and smaller parties

• Consensus-based decision making

Examples:

• National Front Government (1989) – V.P. Singh

• United Front Government (1996–98)

• NDA (1999–2004, 2014 onwards)

• UPA (2004–2014)

Impact:

• Strengthened federalism

• Reduced dominance of a single party

• Sometimes led to instability

 Decline of Congress and Rise of BJP

Decline of Congress:

• Congress lost its dominant position after 1989

• Reasons:

  • Leadership crisis

  • Corruption allegations

  • Rise of regional parties

  • Changing voter expectations

Rise of BJP:

• BJP emerged as a strong national party

• Focused on:

  • Nationalism

  • Strong leadership

  • Development agenda

• Formed government:

  • 1998–2004

  • 2014 onwards with full majority

Significance:

• Bipolar politics at national level

• Stronger opposition system

 Rise of Regional Parties

Meaning:

Regional parties are political parties that operate mainly in one or a few states.

Examples:

• DMK, AIADMK – Tamil Nadu

• TMC – West Bengal

• SP, BSP – Uttar Pradesh

• Shiv Sena – Maharashtra

• BJD – Odisha

Reasons for Rise:

• Regional aspirations

• Cultural and linguistic identity

• Failure of national parties to address local issues

Role:

• Kingmakers in coalition governments

• Strengthened federal structure

• Gave voice to local issues

 Politics of Social Justice

Meaning:

Politics aimed at ensuring equality and justice for backward and marginalized sections.

Major Developments:

• Mandal Commission (1990):

  • Recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs

• Increased political participation of:

  • OBCs

  • Dalits

  • Adivasis

Impact:

• Social empowerment

• Political mobilization

• Formation of caste-based parties

 Identity Politics

Meaning:

Politics based on caste, religion, language, region, or culture.

Forms of Identity Politics:

• Caste-based politics

• Religious politics

• Regional identity movements

Positive Aspects:

• Political inclusion

• Voice to marginalized communities

Negative Aspects:

• Social divisions

• Vote-bank politics

• Communal tensions

 Regional Aspirations and Movements

Meaning:

Demand for recognition, autonomy, or separate state based on regional identity.

Examples:

• Creation of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand (2000)

• Telangana (2014)

• Movements like Gorkhaland, Vidarbha

Importance:

• Strengthened democracy

• Acknowledged diversity

• Balanced national unity with regional demands

 Role of Judiciary and Media

Judiciary:

• Active role through Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

• Judicial review of laws

• Protection of Fundamental Rights

Media:

• Television, newspapers, and social media influence public opinion

• Increased political awareness

• Acts as a watchdog

 Electoral Reforms and Democratic Deepening

Important Changes:

• Voter awareness campaigns

• Use of EVMs

• NOTA option

• Increased voter turnout

Impact:

• Greater participation

• Transparent elections

• Strengthened democracy

 Recent Trends in Indian Politics

• Strong leadership politics

• Increased role of social media

• National security and development as key issues

• Centralisation of power

• Decline of ideological politics, rise of performance-based politics

Conclusion

Recent developments in Indian politics show that Indian democracy is dynamic and evolving. Coalition governments, regional parties, social justice movements, and active institutions have deepened democracy. Despite challenges like political instability and identity conflicts, Indian politics continues to adapt to the changing needs of society.