#electoral reforms indian polity

[sreehari28]

Indian democracy has faced various challenges throughout its history, and it is important to have an open and informed discussion about its current state. It is worth noting that the phrase "Indian democracy is under attack" can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context and the specific concerns being raised. It is important to recognize that these points do not present a comprehensive assessment of the situation and that opinions may differ. As with any democratic society, addressing these challenges requires open discussions, engagement, and collective efforts from all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, the government, and the media, to uphold and strengthen the principles of democracy.

[diaspora9ja]

Real power is with Centre, which holds the purse-strings in these fiscally-challenging times

Written by Harish Damodaran | Up to date: December 5, 2020 8:54:18 am

The BJP beneath Narendra Modi, like Indira Gandhi’s Congress in its time, faces no political competitors inside or outdoors. (Illustration: C R Sasikumar)

The return of single-party dominance and its implications for politics after almost 25 years of minority/coalition governments on the Centre (December 1989-April 2014) has been extensively commented upon. As have issues over rising company market energy and their expression, whether or not within the ongoing protests towards the three central farm legal guidelines or the grant of financial institution licences to industrial homes.

The current Bihar election outcomes — Nitish Kumar is again as chief minister, however of what’s, for all sensible functions, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) authorities — have reaffirmed a bigger political pattern. There are states which can be nonetheless opposition-ruled — Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Nevertheless, as many have famous, chief ministers at this time have been diminished to satraps. The actual energy is with the Centre, which has the all-important “businesses” and holds the purse-strings in these fiscally-challenging occasions.

For all their fulminations at not being compensated for shortfalls in GST revenues, states have needed to settle for no matter little the Centre provided via a particular Possibility-1 borrowing window. The Maharashtra authorities couldn’t cease the Elgar Parishad case being handed over to the Nationwide Investigation Company, whereas the Pinarayi Vijayan administration in Kerala has been a mute spectator to the Enforcement Directorate grilling its officers and a minister in reference to alleged money-laundering and gold smuggling probes.

What this evaluation — of a single occasion beneath an unquestioned chief exercising complete management over the nation’s polity — misses out, although, is a parallel and associated phenomenon. That has to do with the more and more “conglomerate” nature of Indian capitalism. These two centralisations — of political and financial energy — reinforce one another. Its penalties are profound and have the potential to outline the favored narrative within the days forward.

Not too way back, a big a part of political financing got here not from giant corporates as a lot as sugar and textile millers, cooperative barons, liquor and PWD contractors, grain merchants/arhtiyas, land sharks, builders and miners. They have been largely regional capitalists who invested in provincial leaders. This translated right into a decentralised crony capitalism mannequin, the place each occasion/politician had a selected set of businessmen for bestowing favours and receiving funding in flip.

Howsoever repugnant, this mannequin had some redeeming options. The mutually-beneficial partnership between the aspiring politician and the small-to-middling capitalist did permit for the emergence of latest tycoons, together with from numerous regional and social backgrounds. As long as the “cronies” and their political backers didn’t stay the identical, it ensured a frequent reshuffling within the ranks of capitalists and likewise a aggressive electoral democracy.

Opinion | The power of two: Modi and Shah are the latest in a long line of jugalbandis in BJP

Contemplate this: The Nineties and Noughties have been synonymous with not simply coalition governments and regional events taking centre stage, but in addition a interval of “entrepreneurial capitalism” in India. The latter, one might argue, was extra a results of the 1991 financial reforms that opened up new industries for personal funding. However the truth that these avenues for capital accumulation have been seized throughout a time of no single-party majority governments or a robust Centre can’t be missed. Nor can the truth that the interval after 2014, regardless of being marked by political stability and the establishment of a near-presidential system of governance, has seen extra capital destruction than creation or accumulation (‘Death of enterprise’, IE, June 29, 2019).

Epitomising the above rise and fall are the “Andhrapreneurs” or businessmen from undivided Andhra Pradesh (AP). The promoters of GVK, GMR, Lanco, Madhucon, NCC, Nagarjuna Fertilisers, Navayuga, Soma Enterprise, Progressive Constructions, Sujana, IVRCL, Ramky Infra, SEW Infra, Transstroy, Sri Metropolis and Gangavaram Port have been all liberalisation’s youngsters. The primary two post-reform a long time was when a lot of them graduated from piecemeal contracting to setting up full-fledged nationwide highways, airports, ports, energy crops, irrigation dams, water provide programs, river bridges, tunnels and metro rail sections.

It’s not a coincidence that the fortunes of the “Andhrapreneurs” grew exactly when its politicians have been very important to propping up coalition governments on the Centre. The Telugu Desam Social gathering was both a part of non-Congress, non-BJP governments (in 1989-90 and 1996-98) or prolonged crucial help to the primary BJP-led ruling Nationwide Democratic Alliance from 1998 to 2004. Undivided AP additionally despatched the biggest contingent of Congress MPs to allow the formation of the United Progressive Alliance authorities in 2004 and 2009.

AP and Telangana at the moment are each Opposition-ruled. However their irrelevance, if not deference, to the current dispensation on the Centre is matched by the decline of the “Andhrapreneurs”. There are only a few survivors from the earlier-mentioned names — most have been consumed by the money owed contracted throughout a not-too-distant previous when animal spirits really reigned. GVK solely lately was pressured to promote its prized Mumbai Worldwide Airport to the Adani Group, which has additionally acquired Navayuga’s Krishnapatnam Port.

The transition from “entrepreneurial” to “conglomerate” capitalism has apparent repercussions from an financial and enterprise standpoint. In lots of industries — from telecom, airways, metal, cement and aluminium to artificial fibres, polymers, toiletries, tea and biscuits — there at the moment are two, at most three, gamers holding dominant market place. Some teams have management straddling a number of sectors: Reliance (petrochemicals, telecom and retail), Tata (metal, business autos, salt and IT companies), Aditya Birla (cement, aluminium and chlor-alkali) and Adani (ports, non-public energy, branded edible oil and, subsequent, airports).

However no much less necessary are the ramifications for politics. The political scientist Adam Ziegfeld has proven that regional events thrive when coalition governments are the order of the day. However, if single-party majority rule turns into the norm, political actors have little incentive to ascertain or be a part of state-level events that may share the spoils of energy on the Centre. A corollary to that is that the regional capitalist not has ministers or MPs via whom he can get issues carried out in New Delhi. They’re as powerless as he’s.

Opinion | Modi’s leadership is evolving, even as his opponents continue to be in a time warp

The absence of intermediation channels for medium-scale and even many giant industrialists isn’t helped by the occasion on the Centre not likely requiring their cash. The BJP beneath Narendra Modi, like Indira Gandhi’s Congress in its time, faces no political competitors inside or outdoors. It may possibly afford to function a centralised funding system overwhelmingly reliant on Huge Capital. Not solely regional events, even the once-powerful liquor, contractor, sugar or arhtiya foyer hardly matter within the new business-political oligarchy regime. Their help isn’t wanted when limitless giant company financing is feasible via electoral bonds that shield the donor’s id and the contributions are tax-deductible as well.

If the present agitation towards the undermining of the standard agricultural produce mandi system is any indication, the problem to the oligarchy will come solely from beneath. The political Opposition can latch on at greatest.

This text first appeared within the print version on December 5, 2020 beneath the title ‘The tremendous centre’. Write to the creator at harish.damodaran@expressindia.com.

The Indian Specific is now on Telegram. Click on here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and keep up to date with the newest headlines

For all the newest Opinion News, obtain Indian Express App.

© The Indian Specific (P) Ltd

Source link

from Diaspora9ja https://diaspora9ja.com/real-power-is-with-centre-which-holds-the-purse-strings-in-these-fiscally-challenging-times/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=real-power-is-with-centre-which-holds-the-purse-strings-in-these-fiscally-challenging-times

[margdarsanme]

NCERT Class 12 Political Science (India) Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

NCERT Class 12 Political Science Solutions (India Since Independence)

Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED : Q 1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and arrange the file chronologically. (a) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir. (b) Formation of Janata Dal. (c) The demolition of Babri Masjid. (d) Assassination of India Gandhi. (e) The formation of NDA government. (f) Godhra incident and its fallout. (g) Formation of UPA government.

  Answer: (a) Assassination of India Gandhi(1984). (b) Formation of Janata Dal (1989) (c) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir (1990) (d) The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992) (e) The formation of NDA government (1997) (g) Formation of UPA government (2004) Q 2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii). Q 3. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?

Answer: In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which had a long lasting impact on politics: 1. End of Congress system. 2. Mandal issues 3. New Economic Reforms 4. Babri Masjid Issues

5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance. Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase, government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties. The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and backward classes and regional assertions as well. Q 4. “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?

Answer: The statement is justified because in the new era of coalition politics the emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliance without ideological agreement: 1. Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. 2. Most parties of NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of B JP still they came together to form government and remained in power also for full term. Q 5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.

Answer: The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows: 1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end. 2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed. 3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support. 4. The political competition during nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress. Q 6. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer: The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in country: 1. Congress improved performance and came back to power after mid term elections in 1991. 2. It also supported United Front government. 3. In 1996, the left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power. 4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled country more than any other party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system. Q 7. 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.

Answer: In the first decade of electoral politics India did not have a recognised opposition party. But some of vibrant and diverse opposition parties had come into being even before the first General Election of 1952 as the non-Congress parties. Hence, the roots of almost all the non-Congress parties of today can be traced to one or the other of the opposition parties of 1950s. All these opposition parties gained only a representation, still their presence played a crucial role in maintaining democratic character of system. Hence due to following reasons two party system is required for successful democracy: 1. Within two party systems, the opposition party offers a sustained and principled criticism of policies and practices of ruling party keeping it under a strict check. 2. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic. On the basis of above mentioned features it is justifiable to have a two party system which have following advantages: 1. India has arrived at more competitive politics. 2. Political parties act within the spheres of consensus. 3. -New forms, vision, pathways of development have been identified. 4. Issues like poverty, displacement, minimum wages, livelihood and social security are being put on political agenda. 5. Issues of justice and democracy are being voiced by various classes, castes and regions to remind states its responsibility. Q 8. 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 interest,…. 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? Answer: (a) The author calls challenges to coalition government as well as coalition in Congress party itself to trigger a new emphasis on self-representation. (b) To unsolve a party system to accommodate diverse interests but the political parties formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram for Dalits only. (c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests to maintain the culture of India ‘Unity in Diversity’ so that there should be no space for separatist movements in India.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark] Q 1. Name two alliances/fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively. 

Answer: National front-1989,United front-1996. Q 2. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a threat to democracy.

Answer: 1. Violent anti-Mandal protest 2. Godhra incident Q 3. What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress system?

Answer: Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of various factions inside the party with different ideologies. Q 4. Which organisation took up the cause of Bahujans?

Answer: The Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation (BAMCEF) took various steps and strong position in favour of political power to Bahujans including SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities. Q 5. What was the status of BSP?

Answer: The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram supported by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. But in 1989 and 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough success in U.P. Q 6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin?

Answer: With elections of 1989, coalition politics began in India i.e. National front in 1989, United Front in 1996 and 1997 and UPA in 2004. Q 7. When were new economic reforms announced?

Answer: In 1991.

Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]

Q 1. AWho was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommen¬dation made by him/her.

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal Commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommend ways to identify these classes. The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. Q 2. State any two major political happenings of 1984 in India.

Answer: 1. Assassination of Indira Gandhi 2. Lok Sabha elections were held. Q 3. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984¬2004?

Answer: 1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition. 2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside. 3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to emergence of Congress as the single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK. 4. In 1996, BJP minority government was formed for short period. Later in June 1996 United Front with the support of Congress formed the Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998. 5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support. 6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister. Q 4. When was India’s New Economic Policy launched? Who was its chief architect?

Answer: It was launched in 1991 as the structure adjustment programme and it was started by the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao: 1. India’s New Economic Policy was launched by the then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. 2. The economic changes first became visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that Indian Economy had pursued since independence towards liberalised and open economy. Q 5. What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid?

Answer: 1. The BJP state government was dismissed. 2. Alongwith that, other states where the BJP was in power, were also put under President’s rule. 3. A case against Chief Minister of U.P. was registered in Supreme Court. Q 6. What led to the serious debate over secularism?

Answer: The demolition of disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6,1992, by Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism: 1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against secularism. 2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes. Q 7. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.

Answer: 1. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance). 2. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance). 3. Left front parties (Left Parties). 4. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

Q 1. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989.

Answer: In the midst 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 are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. (ii) Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes: Political parties have recognised 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. Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs 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 parties is fast becoming less important. State level parties are showing 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 consid-erations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement: Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideo-logical differences to power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a govern¬ment and remained in power for a full term. Q 2. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?

Answer: The era of coalitions could be seen after 1989 elections onwards. The Congress was the largest party but did not achieve a single majority, hence it decided to act as opposition party. This led to National Front (Alliance of Janata Dal and other regional parties). It received major support from BJP and left front. BJP and left front did not join the government but gave support from outside. The coalition era had many PMs and some of them held office for short duration. Q 3. “Coal ition government helps in consensus building”. Do you agree with the statement? Give arguments in support of your answer.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported , reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCs to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they came together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 4. Write a note on Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.

Answer: 1. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place at a station called Godhara in 2002. 2. A fire took place on a bogey full of leorsevakos returning from Ayodhya. 3. The hand of Muslims was suspected behind this fire. 4. Widespread violence took place against muslims in which nearly 1100, mostly muslims were killed. 5. Human Right commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control violence and provided relief to victims. 6. Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to passion and alert us the danger involved in using religious sentiments for political purposes.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre, all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties, which did not join the government. In this new phase, any government could be formed only with the participation or support of many regional parties. This applied to the National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, the NDA in 1997, BJP-led coalition in 1998, NDA in 1999 and the UPA in 2004.

Questions 1. What is meant by coalition politics? 2. Name any two regional political parties which were a part of coalition government. 3. Write the full form of NDA. 4. What does a minority government mean?

Answer: 1. Coalition politics does not have maj ority even to a single party but parties may enter into an alliance or get support of other parties to form government. 2. NDA and United front. 3. National Democratic Alliance. 4. Minority governments are supported by other parties which did not join the government. 2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Infact the BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation based on pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans (SC, ST, OBC and religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population, and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers.

Questions 1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram? 2. Name any two religious minorities. 3. Why are Bahujans considered a formidable political forces?

Answer: 1. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) 2. Muslims and Christians 3. Because Bahujans constituted the majority of population, hence they were formidable political force on strength of their numbers.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]

Q 1. In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the Centre. Do you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable arguments.

Answer: After Independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other the government was represented by the Congress Prime Ministers like Nehru, Shastri and then Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval; a state Emergency was declared in 1975. During Emergency all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional powers were seized. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form first united party in the name of Janata Party which came in power in 1977. The general election held soon after the Emergency. Though it couldn’t last long, but it started a new concept of rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group, except a few single-party-led government. But with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then there have been nine governments at the centre all of which have either been coalition government or minority government supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India. In none of these governments any one single party had the number enough to form the government at its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain 284 seats in the Lok Sabha election which was sufficient to form the government at its own -which required to only 272. But as the election was fought with a pre-poll alliance by NDA led by BJP. So the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the leader of BJP. This election shows that people are again turning to the single party government at the centre which may be stable. People have experienced the lack of stability, lack of policy decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group. Q 2. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points. (or) Examine growing consensus over the crucial issues.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they come together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 3. What was Mandal Commission? Did it try to solve the problems of other Backward classes? State any two arguments in support of your answer?

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommended way to identify these classes. The Mandal commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy. 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. The government of India accepted recommendations in 1990: 1. 27% jobs reservation has been made in central and state government. 2. Many Welfare Schemes have also been launched as Swarnima National Backward classes Finance and Development Corporation.

Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. Describe the role of such government in Indian Democratic set up. 3. What does this statement “Support the government from outside” mean?

Answer: 1. A puppet government showing example of coalition government. 2. It plays negative and positive role both. In a negative way, it provides unstable form of government. In a positive way, it provides opportuni¬ties to regional parties also in forming ruling alliances. 3. No direct participation and position in government but support in the formation of government. 2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the picture indicate? 2. Which party is being referred to as one party dominance? 3. Identify female character in the cartoon.

Answer: 1. It depicts change from one party dominance to a multi-party alliance system. 2. Congress. 3. Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

from Blogger http://www.margdarsan.com/2020/08/ncert-class-12-political-science-india.html

[myquestionbank]

Indian Polity Questions and Answers - IAS Prelims

Indian Polity Questions and Answers – IAS Prelims

1) Which of the following committees are related to electoral reforms? 1) K. Santhanam Committee. 2) Dinesh Goswami Committee. 3) Tankha Committee. 4) V. R. Rao Committee. 5) K. N. Sahaya Committee. a. 1, 2, 3, 5 b. 2, 4, 5 c. 2, 3 d. All of the above Answer Explanation ANSWER: 2, 3 Explanation: Committees Related To Electoral Reforms – Various committees and commissions have examined India’s…

[mediafocus-blog1]

House votes to cancel CFPB rule favouring elegance-motion fits in finance

New Post has been published on https://mediafocus.biz/house-votes-to-cancel-cfpb-rule-favouring-elegance-motion-fits-in-finance/

House votes to cancel CFPB rule favouring elegance-motion fits in finance

Overshadowed by way of their Senate counterparts’ efforts to increase healthcare regulation, House Republicans voted Tuesday to cancel a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule meant to open up finance to magnificence-movement court cases, a move that kicked off a heated debate over the role of the presidency.

Overshadowed by their Senate counterparts’ efforts to improve healthcare rules, House Republicans voted Tuesday to cancel a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule meant to open up finance to elegance-movement proceedings, a move that kicked off a heated debate over the position of presidency.

The vote pitted Republicans and the entire financial zone, who argued that the guideline might gain best trial lawyers, towards Democrats and consumer and civil rights corporations. “We’re going to combat to position leverage — who has the leverage? — positioned leverage again into the palms of the American people,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

The measure is a resolution beneath the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to strike down regulations with most effective fifty-one votes inside the Senate. Democrats desire that enough Senate Republicans will cut up to their birthday party to prevent the measure from attaining the table of President Trump, whose White House has indicated that he’ll sign it.

“This rule could be a boon to frivolous court cases — and a drag on our financial system,” wrote the decision’s sponsors, Rep. Keith Rothfus of Pennsylvania and Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, in a Forbes op-ed.

Finalised this month by CFPB Director Richard Cordray, an Obama appointee, the rule should provide a gauge for the viability of every other deliberate rule caught in limbo: a sweeping law of payday mortgage products. With Republican manipulate of Congress, rulemaking is a roll of the dice. It would be a main setback for the bureau to have a rule overturned through the Congressional Review Act, due to the fact the law would prevent the agency from issuing any similar regulation without congressional authorization.

At a press conference Tuesday morning, Democratic leaders recommended that they might now not recommend Cordray against putting out the payday lending rule, in spite of the threat of a GOP Congressional Review Act task.

“What makes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau strong is it doesn’t play politics,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

While Republicans had the assist of bank and charge card alternate groups on using the Congressional Review Act to kill the elegance-movement rule, left-of-center companies touted polling Tuesday that confirmed study aid for retaining the Bureau’s rule. When asked if it was vital to preserve businesses accountable or if it would best inspire frivolous complaints, -thirds of respondents authorized of the rule, according to a national poll of one,000 citizens performed through Lake Research Partners for Americans for Financial Reform and the Center for Responsible Lending, businesses that again tighter monetary regulations.

Conservative agencies, in the meantime, coat up in the back of Republicans. Heritage Action, the political arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation assume tank, informed lawmakers that it would be “key-vote casting” a “no” vote, noting that in the end, Congress has to take away the bureau altogether.

Indian Constitution Puts Power inside the Hands of Its Citizens

Democracy is for the human beings, by the humans, and of the human beings. Unfortunately, in India, Democracy has been far from the humans, buying the humans, and rancid the human beings. India isn’t most effective the biggest Democratic u. S . Within the global however additionally a rustic with such a lot of unique cultures present in concord with each different showing the world the best way to live in concord with others regardless of their religion, race, caste, creed, sect, and so on. People of India are a high-quality lot but the self-proclaimed leaders/ politicians of India were allowing them to down for the beyond 60 years for the reason that India was given Independence after a long-drawn conflict by means of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed in Non-violence. According to the written constitution, India needs to ideally visit elections after each 5 years. But, Indian politicians had been making the mockery of the democratic concepts of the kingdom and were the best targeting getting cash all through their 5-12 months stint at the public workplace as opposed to serving the commonplace people who voted them to energy. Once voted to energy, politicians were forgetting the same human beings, who elected them as their representatives to remedy the problems they were facing, for years, in their constituency.

Hoping that this kind of state of affairs will emerge in future, the authors of Indian constitution have furnished a democratic weapon to the Indian human beings inside the shape of forty nine (O), which lets in its citizens to now not most effective stop the perpetrator politicians from occupying the seats of electricity from time-to-time with out serving the general public but also cancel the contested election!

Hey, Indian residents! Do you all conscious that forty-nine (O) of Indian charter permits you NOT TO RECORD your vote? If you are not interested in anybody of the contesting applicants, you can nevertheless visit the polling booth, verify your identification, get your finger marked and then tell the Presiding Officer which you do now not need to register your vote as opposed to electing and vote casting for a particular candidate in a common way. Indian Constitution has provided a provision for this underneath the Act of 1969. This Act lets you protest towards the applicants, who’re contesting the elections in a noble, legitimate, and green way. You can use forty-nine (O) as a weapon to forestall the useless, illiterate, corrupt, and criminal history human beings from getting into the Indian polity through contesting from small posts like Ward Councilor to prestigious positions in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assembly, etc.

Yes! It is real that you may forestall the candidate, whom you do no longer want to represent your constituency, as a substitute forcibly made your representative with the aid of the respective political parties as your representative, from contesting the election. Following is the precise procedure to be observed via each the voter and the Presiding Officer, in case, if the voter decides NOT TO VOTE. The excerpt is taken from the Election Commission of India’s “Handbook for Candidates” PDF on your comfort: 49O. Elector finding out not to vote. – If an elector after his electoral roll quantity has been duly entered in the register of citizens in Form-17A and has positioned his signature or thumb impact thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49I., determining not to document his vote, a remark to this effect will be made against the stated entry in Form-17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb effect of the elector will be received against such observation.

[orfonlineorg-blog]

A post-nuclear deal Iran prepares for elections

·      AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI

·      HASAN ROUHANI

·      IRAN

·      IRAN DEAL

·      ISLAMIC REVOLUTION

Iran has kicked-off its month long election campaign with the announcement of the finalists approved by the supreme leader of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Khamenei, after a vetting process orchestrated by the Guardian Council which works under his ambit. Current president, Hasan Rouhani, will be joined by competitors Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim, Mostafa Hashemi-Taba, Es’haq Jahangiri, Mohammed-Baqer Qalibaf and Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi to lead Iran in an era of uncertainty, specifically with President Donald Trump at the helm in Washington DC.

The run-up to these elections have already been filled with drama, with former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, despite saying he is not running for the polls, surprising the Iranian electorate by submitting his candidacy during the final minutes of the application process. In total, more than 1,600 candidates applied to contest the elections, including 137 female candidates, none of whom made the final cut.

President Rouhani, under whose guidance Iran agreed to the critical nuclear agreement with Western nations (all United Nations Security Council members plus Germany), according to analysts, will have competition from quarters of Tehran politics that he is very familiar with. His competitors can be divided into two groups, the reformists and the conservatives. First Vice President Jahangiri and former minister of mines, Hashemi-Taba along with Rouhani are from the former grouping. The conservatives are represented by the Mayor of Tehran Ghalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mirsalim and the odd candidacy of Raeisi, who is the custodian of the holy shrine of the eighth Shiite imam, but more importantly, touted to be a potential replacement for the now ageing Ayatollah Khamenei himself.

Popular expectations are that Rouhani, Ghalibaf and Raeisi are to be the electoral leaders in a race that is going to reflect both the political and economic outcomes of the post-nuclear deal Iran. According to a recent poll conducted by Canada based consultancy IranPoll, the economy and jobs are the foremost areas of concern that the people of Iran want their leaders to address, the same issues that were flagged before the previous elections and the subsequent swearing in of Rouhani as president. According to the poll, 52% of the participants of the modest 1,005 Iranians who took part in the study said that the economic situation in the country under the leadership of Rouhani was getting worse, while 31% agreed that it had gotten better. On a narrower question, when asked whether the economic situation of ordinary people had improved due to the successful negotiation of the nuclear deal, 72% replied in a negative tone saying that it had not improved.

Popular expectations are that Rouhani, Ghalibaf and Raeisi are to be the electoral leaders in a race that is going to reflect both the political and economic outcomes of the post-nuclear deal Iran.

The nuclear deal’s effect on the elections may be a red herring. Similar to the situation prior to the election of Rouhani in 2013 that ousted Ahmadinejad, under whom Iran’s ties with the West hit a new low, joblessness amongst the youth and lack of economic upliftment became the key political issue in Iran. Years of Western sanctions had rendered the Iranian economy severely strained, which in return gained public support in the country for its governance to thaw relations with the West. This was used by the moderate and reformist political circles in Tehran against the conservatives who, throughout the negotiation process, criticised Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif for giving too many concessions to the West in return for Iran’s basic rights to develop civil nuclear energy resources. Even Ayatollah Khamenei often took to Twitter; the social media site banned for common Iranian citizens, to threaten the US even as Iranian delegations were in Vienna, Austria, negotiating the agreements.

Source: Khamenei.ir/Twitter

The Iranian political landscape is multilayered, with a juxtaposition of conservatives, moderates, liberals, the military, intelligence and others fighting to build influence zones within the polity. The premiere example to illustrate this is decoding the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s Corps (IRGC), a highly trained military structure directly under the command of the Ayatollah, tasked with protecting the Islamic revolution itself from foreign interventions and internal dissent.

However, the IRGC is now also heavily involved in the Iranian economy and is known to have ownership of various companies and state enterprises in fields such as construction, telecom, mining and so on. In January this year, the Iranian government along with entities closed to the IRGC signed commercial deals with the Syrian government for assisting the Bashar al-Assad regime in the Syrian war. As much as the conservative or reformist power blocks, including former presidents, matter in the outcome of the elections, the extension of the military/intelligence apparatus into electoral posturing has perhaps grown in Iran over the past few years it was under Western sanctions.

This also gives Raeisi a good chance at the presidency. Despite popular understanding seems to point towards the re-election of Rouhani, the conservative lobby along with the intelligence sector, made few qualms about its reservations over the nuclear deal known. This in effect could give the likes of Raeisi a well-orchestrated and strong bogey against the reformists club that backs Rouhani, which now includes the likes of former president Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reforms leader himself who led the Iranian government from 1997 until 2005. Such an endorsement could be of pivotal importance, as Khatami, like many of his predecessors and successor Ahmadinejad, had a falling out with the Ayatollah in his post-president years and was banished from politics.

India, one of Iran’s largest buyers of oil across the Arabian Sea, has had a relationship with the country that has been both fruitful and fractured simultaneously. Oil and gas has featured as the top most priority of the Iranian economy, and by extension, critical to political stability of the country. India and Iran are home to civilisational ties spanning thousands of years, and despite the relationship being cordial and consequential; it has more than often found it hard to develop an all-encompassing working diplomatic understanding between the two. Despite India voting against Iran at the UN over the latter’s nuclear program in 2009, predominantly under US pressure, New Delhi pushed for Washington to give it concessions from international sanctions against Iran on order to continue buying oil from the country. Along with this trade, India also committed more than $1 billion in Iran’s Farzad B oil and gas field, which has been embroiled in traditional bureaucratic entanglements that have become definitive of the bilateral dynamics between the two countries.

Oil and gas has featured as the top most priority of the Iranian economy, and by extension, critical to political stability of the country.

Beyond oil and gas, the possibility of greater strategic engagement between the two countries relies on the Chabahar port project. During previous high-level ministerial visits by Iran to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran last year, the mirage of the Chabahar project’s strategic importance to India has been even more elevated despite the fact that the entire dance between the two countries to develop it has been an excruciating display of bureaucratic red tape. Attempts to push forward the development of Chabahar is today an excellent, systematic and step-by-step guide on how to fail at diplomacy where both parties stand to gain significantly on their respective interests, yet fail to establish the same. India’s interests span a far-searching policy attempt, with Iran also being crucial for stability in Afghanistan and providing access to Central Asia, while Iran is perhaps yet to recognise that most of its markets for hydrocarbons for the next three decades lie towards the East.

From an Indian perspective, re-election of Rouhani could perhaps see a continuation of the stalemate between the two countries over critical issues, which now includes a war of words over the Farzad B oil and gas field as well. However, it is in India’s interest that Tehran remains on a reformist path, and the Iranian economy continues its movement towards an open market attached to global trade. While it is true that the election of Donald Trump as president of America has thrown many uncertainties over investing in Iran, the fact that the nuclear agreement is a multi-dimension one involving five other powers could be seen as both a balm and safety net over fears of an American withdrawal from the agreement.

·      STRATEGIC STUDIES

·      WEST ASIA

·      INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

[sreehari28]

Indian democracy has faced various challenges throughout its history, and it is important to have an open and informed discussion about its current state. It is worth noting that the phrase "Indian democracy is under attack" can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context and the specific concerns being raised. It is important to recognize that these points do not present a comprehensive assessment of the situation and that opinions may differ. As with any democratic society, addressing these challenges requires open discussions, engagement, and collective efforts from all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, the government, and the media, to uphold and strengthen the principles of democracy.

[margdarsanme]

NCERT Class 12 Political Science (India) Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

NCERT Class 12 Political Science Solutions (India Since Independence)

Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED : Q 1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and arrange the file chronologically. (a) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir. (b) Formation of Janata Dal. (c) The demolition of Babri Masjid. (d) Assassination of India Gandhi. (e) The formation of NDA government. (f) Godhra incident and its fallout. (g) Formation of UPA government.

  Answer: (a) Assassination of India Gandhi(1984). (b) Formation of Janata Dal (1989) (c) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir (1990) (d) The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992) (e) The formation of NDA government (1997) (g) Formation of UPA government (2004) Q 2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii). Q 3. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?

Answer: In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which had a long lasting impact on politics: 1. End of Congress system. 2. Mandal issues 3. New Economic Reforms 4. Babri Masjid Issues

5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance. Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase, government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties. The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and backward classes and regional assertions as well. Q 4. “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?

Answer: The statement is justified because in the new era of coalition politics the emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliance without ideological agreement: 1. Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. 2. Most parties of NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of B JP still they came together to form government and remained in power also for full term. Q 5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.

Answer: The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows: 1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end. 2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed. 3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support. 4. The political competition during nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress. Q 6. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer: The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in country: 1. Congress improved performance and came back to power after mid term elections in 1991. 2. It also supported United Front government. 3. In 1996, the left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power. 4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled country more than any other party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system. Q 7. 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.

Answer: In the first decade of electoral politics India did not have a recognised opposition party. But some of vibrant and diverse opposition parties had come into being even before the first General Election of 1952 as the non-Congress parties. Hence, the roots of almost all the non-Congress parties of today can be traced to one or the other of the opposition parties of 1950s. All these opposition parties gained only a representation, still their presence played a crucial role in maintaining democratic character of system. Hence due to following reasons two party system is required for successful democracy: 1. Within two party systems, the opposition party offers a sustained and principled criticism of policies and practices of ruling party keeping it under a strict check. 2. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic. On the basis of above mentioned features it is justifiable to have a two party system which have following advantages: 1. India has arrived at more competitive politics. 2. Political parties act within the spheres of consensus. 3. -New forms, vision, pathways of development have been identified. 4. Issues like poverty, displacement, minimum wages, livelihood and social security are being put on political agenda. 5. Issues of justice and democracy are being voiced by various classes, castes and regions to remind states its responsibility. Q 8. 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 interest,…. 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? Answer: (a) The author calls challenges to coalition government as well as coalition in Congress party itself to trigger a new emphasis on self-representation. (b) To unsolve a party system to accommodate diverse interests but the political parties formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram for Dalits only. (c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests to maintain the culture of India ‘Unity in Diversity’ so that there should be no space for separatist movements in India.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark] Q 1. Name two alliances/fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively. 

Answer: National front-1989,United front-1996. Q 2. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a threat to democracy.

Answer: 1. Violent anti-Mandal protest 2. Godhra incident Q 3. What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress system?

Answer: Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of various factions inside the party with different ideologies. Q 4. Which organisation took up the cause of Bahujans?

Answer: The Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation (BAMCEF) took various steps and strong position in favour of political power to Bahujans including SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities. Q 5. What was the status of BSP?

Answer: The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram supported by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. But in 1989 and 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough success in U.P. Q 6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin?

Answer: With elections of 1989, coalition politics began in India i.e. National front in 1989, United Front in 1996 and 1997 and UPA in 2004. Q 7. When were new economic reforms announced?

Answer: In 1991.

Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]

Q 1. AWho was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommen¬dation made by him/her.

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal Commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommend ways to identify these classes. The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. Q 2. State any two major political happenings of 1984 in India.

Answer: 1. Assassination of Indira Gandhi 2. Lok Sabha elections were held. Q 3. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984¬2004?

Answer: 1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition. 2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside. 3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to emergence of Congress as the single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK. 4. In 1996, BJP minority government was formed for short period. Later in June 1996 United Front with the support of Congress formed the Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998. 5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support. 6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister. Q 4. When was India’s New Economic Policy launched? Who was its chief architect?

Answer: It was launched in 1991 as the structure adjustment programme and it was started by the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao: 1. India’s New Economic Policy was launched by the then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. 2. The economic changes first became visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that Indian Economy had pursued since independence towards liberalised and open economy. Q 5. What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid?

Answer: 1. The BJP state government was dismissed. 2. Alongwith that, other states where the BJP was in power, were also put under President’s rule. 3. A case against Chief Minister of U.P. was registered in Supreme Court. Q 6. What led to the serious debate over secularism?

Answer: The demolition of disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6,1992, by Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism: 1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against secularism. 2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes. Q 7. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.

Answer: 1. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance). 2. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance). 3. Left front parties (Left Parties). 4. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

Q 1. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989.

Answer: In the midst 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 are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. (ii) Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes: Political parties have recognised 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. Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs 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 parties is fast becoming less important. State level parties are showing 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 consid-erations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement: Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideo-logical differences to power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a govern¬ment and remained in power for a full term. Q 2. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?

Answer: The era of coalitions could be seen after 1989 elections onwards. The Congress was the largest party but did not achieve a single majority, hence it decided to act as opposition party. This led to National Front (Alliance of Janata Dal and other regional parties). It received major support from BJP and left front. BJP and left front did not join the government but gave support from outside. The coalition era had many PMs and some of them held office for short duration. Q 3. “Coal ition government helps in consensus building”. Do you agree with the statement? Give arguments in support of your answer.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported , reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCs to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they came together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 4. Write a note on Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.

Answer: 1. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place at a station called Godhara in 2002. 2. A fire took place on a bogey full of leorsevakos returning from Ayodhya. 3. The hand of Muslims was suspected behind this fire. 4. Widespread violence took place against muslims in which nearly 1100, mostly muslims were killed. 5. Human Right commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control violence and provided relief to victims. 6. Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to passion and alert us the danger involved in using religious sentiments for political purposes.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre, all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties, which did not join the government. In this new phase, any government could be formed only with the participation or support of many regional parties. This applied to the National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, the NDA in 1997, BJP-led coalition in 1998, NDA in 1999 and the UPA in 2004.

Questions 1. What is meant by coalition politics? 2. Name any two regional political parties which were a part of coalition government. 3. Write the full form of NDA. 4. What does a minority government mean?

Answer: 1. Coalition politics does not have maj ority even to a single party but parties may enter into an alliance or get support of other parties to form government. 2. NDA and United front. 3. National Democratic Alliance. 4. Minority governments are supported by other parties which did not join the government. 2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Infact the BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation based on pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans (SC, ST, OBC and religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population, and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers.

Questions 1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram? 2. Name any two religious minorities. 3. Why are Bahujans considered a formidable political forces?

Answer: 1. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) 2. Muslims and Christians 3. Because Bahujans constituted the majority of population, hence they were formidable political force on strength of their numbers.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]

Q 1. In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the Centre. Do you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable arguments.

Answer: After Independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other the government was represented by the Congress Prime Ministers like Nehru, Shastri and then Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval; a state Emergency was declared in 1975. During Emergency all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional powers were seized. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form first united party in the name of Janata Party which came in power in 1977. The general election held soon after the Emergency. Though it couldn’t last long, but it started a new concept of rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group, except a few single-party-led government. But with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then there have been nine governments at the centre all of which have either been coalition government or minority government supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India. In none of these governments any one single party had the number enough to form the government at its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain 284 seats in the Lok Sabha election which was sufficient to form the government at its own -which required to only 272. But as the election was fought with a pre-poll alliance by NDA led by BJP. So the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the leader of BJP. This election shows that people are again turning to the single party government at the centre which may be stable. People have experienced the lack of stability, lack of policy decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group. Q 2. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points. (or) Examine growing consensus over the crucial issues.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they come together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 3. What was Mandal Commission? Did it try to solve the problems of other Backward classes? State any two arguments in support of your answer?

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommended way to identify these classes. The Mandal commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy. 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. The government of India accepted recommendations in 1990: 1. 27% jobs reservation has been made in central and state government. 2. Many Welfare Schemes have also been launched as Swarnima National Backward classes Finance and Development Corporation.

Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. Describe the role of such government in Indian Democratic set up. 3. What does this statement “Support the government from outside” mean?

Answer: 1. A puppet government showing example of coalition government. 2. It plays negative and positive role both. In a negative way, it provides unstable form of government. In a positive way, it provides opportuni¬ties to regional parties also in forming ruling alliances. 3. No direct participation and position in government but support in the formation of government. 2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the picture indicate? 2. Which party is being referred to as one party dominance? 3. Identify female character in the cartoon.

Answer: 1. It depicts change from one party dominance to a multi-party alliance system. 2. Congress. 3. Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/30N5NzJ

[margdarsanme]

NCERT Class 12 Political Science (India) Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

NCERT Class 12 Political Science Solutions (India Since Independence)

Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED : Q 1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and arrange the file chronologically. (a) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir. (b) Formation of Janata Dal. (c) The demolition of Babri Masjid. (d) Assassination of India Gandhi. (e) The formation of NDA government. (f) Godhra incident and its fallout. (g) Formation of UPA government.

  Answer: (a) Assassination of India Gandhi(1984). (b) Formation of Janata Dal (1989) (c) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir (1990) (d) The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992) (e) The formation of NDA government (1997) (g) Formation of UPA government (2004) Q 2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii). Q 3. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?

Answer: In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which had a long lasting impact on politics: 1. End of Congress system. 2. Mandal issues 3. New Economic Reforms 4. Babri Masjid Issues

5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance. Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase, government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties. The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and backward classes and regional assertions as well. Q 4. “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?

Answer: The statement is justified because in the new era of coalition politics the emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliance without ideological agreement: 1. Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. 2. Most parties of NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of B JP still they came together to form government and remained in power also for full term. Q 5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.

Answer: The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows: 1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end. 2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed. 3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support. 4. The political competition during nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress. Q 6. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer: The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in country: 1. Congress improved performance and came back to power after mid term elections in 1991. 2. It also supported United Front government. 3. In 1996, the left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power. 4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled country more than any other party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system. Q 7. 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.

Answer: In the first decade of electoral politics India did not have a recognised opposition party. But some of vibrant and diverse opposition parties had come into being even before the first General Election of 1952 as the non-Congress parties. Hence, the roots of almost all the non-Congress parties of today can be traced to one or the other of the opposition parties of 1950s. All these opposition parties gained only a representation, still their presence played a crucial role in maintaining democratic character of system. Hence due to following reasons two party system is required for successful democracy: 1. Within two party systems, the opposition party offers a sustained and principled criticism of policies and practices of ruling party keeping it under a strict check. 2. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic. On the basis of above mentioned features it is justifiable to have a two party system which have following advantages: 1. India has arrived at more competitive politics. 2. Political parties act within the spheres of consensus. 3. -New forms, vision, pathways of development have been identified. 4. Issues like poverty, displacement, minimum wages, livelihood and social security are being put on political agenda. 5. Issues of justice and democracy are being voiced by various classes, castes and regions to remind states its responsibility. Q 8. 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 interest,…. 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? Answer: (a) The author calls challenges to coalition government as well as coalition in Congress party itself to trigger a new emphasis on self-representation. (b) To unsolve a party system to accommodate diverse interests but the political parties formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram for Dalits only. (c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests to maintain the culture of India ‘Unity in Diversity’ so that there should be no space for separatist movements in India.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark] Q 1. Name two alliances/fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively. 

Answer: National front-1989,United front-1996. Q 2. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a threat to democracy.

Answer: 1. Violent anti-Mandal protest 2. Godhra incident Q 3. What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress system?

Answer: Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of various factions inside the party with different ideologies. Q 4. Which organisation took up the cause of Bahujans?

Answer: The Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation (BAMCEF) took various steps and strong position in favour of political power to Bahujans including SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities. Q 5. What was the status of BSP?

Answer: The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram supported by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. But in 1989 and 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough success in U.P. Q 6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin?

Answer: With elections of 1989, coalition politics began in India i.e. National front in 1989, United Front in 1996 and 1997 and UPA in 2004. Q 7. When were new economic reforms announced?

Answer: In 1991.

Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]

Q 1. AWho was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommen¬dation made by him/her.

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal Commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommend ways to identify these classes. The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. Q 2. State any two major political happenings of 1984 in India.

Answer: 1. Assassination of Indira Gandhi 2. Lok Sabha elections were held. Q 3. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984¬2004?

Answer: 1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition. 2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside. 3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to emergence of Congress as the single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK. 4. In 1996, BJP minority government was formed for short period. Later in June 1996 United Front with the support of Congress formed the Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998. 5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support. 6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister. Q 4. When was India’s New Economic Policy launched? Who was its chief architect?

Answer: It was launched in 1991 as the structure adjustment programme and it was started by the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao: 1. India’s New Economic Policy was launched by the then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. 2. The economic changes first became visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that Indian Economy had pursued since independence towards liberalised and open economy. Q 5. What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid?

Answer: 1. The BJP state government was dismissed. 2. Alongwith that, other states where the BJP was in power, were also put under President’s rule. 3. A case against Chief Minister of U.P. was registered in Supreme Court. Q 6. What led to the serious debate over secularism?

Answer: The demolition of disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6,1992, by Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism: 1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against secularism. 2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes. Q 7. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.

Answer: 1. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance). 2. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance). 3. Left front parties (Left Parties). 4. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

Q 1. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989.

Answer: In the midst 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 are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. (ii) Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes: Political parties have recognised 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. Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs 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 parties is fast becoming less important. State level parties are showing 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 consid-erations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement: Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideo-logical differences to power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a govern¬ment and remained in power for a full term. Q 2. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?

Answer: The era of coalitions could be seen after 1989 elections onwards. The Congress was the largest party but did not achieve a single majority, hence it decided to act as opposition party. This led to National Front (Alliance of Janata Dal and other regional parties). It received major support from BJP and left front. BJP and left front did not join the government but gave support from outside. The coalition era had many PMs and some of them held office for short duration. Q 3. “Coal ition government helps in consensus building”. Do you agree with the statement? Give arguments in support of your answer.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported , reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCs to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they came together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 4. Write a note on Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.

Answer: 1. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place at a station called Godhara in 2002. 2. A fire took place on a bogey full of leorsevakos returning from Ayodhya. 3. The hand of Muslims was suspected behind this fire. 4. Widespread violence took place against muslims in which nearly 1100, mostly muslims were killed. 5. Human Right commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control violence and provided relief to victims. 6. Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to passion and alert us the danger involved in using religious sentiments for political purposes.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre, all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties, which did not join the government. In this new phase, any government could be formed only with the participation or support of many regional parties. This applied to the National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, the NDA in 1997, BJP-led coalition in 1998, NDA in 1999 and the UPA in 2004.

Questions 1. What is meant by coalition politics? 2. Name any two regional political parties which were a part of coalition government. 3. Write the full form of NDA. 4. What does a minority government mean?

Answer: 1. Coalition politics does not have maj ority even to a single party but parties may enter into an alliance or get support of other parties to form government. 2. NDA and United front. 3. National Democratic Alliance. 4. Minority governments are supported by other parties which did not join the government. 2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions: Infact the BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation based on pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans (SC, ST, OBC and religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population, and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers.

Questions 1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram? 2. Name any two religious minorities. 3. Why are Bahujans considered a formidable political forces?

Answer: 1. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) 2. Muslims and Christians 3. Because Bahujans constituted the majority of population, hence they were formidable political force on strength of their numbers.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]

Q 1. In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the Centre. Do you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable arguments.

Answer: After Independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other the government was represented by the Congress Prime Ministers like Nehru, Shastri and then Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval; a state Emergency was declared in 1975. During Emergency all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional powers were seized. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form first united party in the name of Janata Party which came in power in 1977. The general election held soon after the Emergency. Though it couldn’t last long, but it started a new concept of rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group, except a few single-party-led government. But with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then there have been nine governments at the centre all of which have either been coalition government or minority government supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India. In none of these governments any one single party had the number enough to form the government at its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain 284 seats in the Lok Sabha election which was sufficient to form the government at its own -which required to only 272. But as the election was fought with a pre-poll alliance by NDA led by BJP. So the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the leader of BJP. This election shows that people are again turning to the single party government at the centre which may be stable. People have experienced the lack of stability, lack of policy decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group. Q 2. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points. (or) Examine growing consensus over the crucial issues.

Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get adequate share of power. 3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they come together to form a government and remained in power for full term. Q 3. What was Mandal Commission? Did it try to solve the problems of other Backward classes? State any two arguments in support of your answer?

Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommended way to identify these classes. The Mandal commission gave its recommendations in 1980: 1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy. 2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups. 3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs. 4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures. The government of India accepted recommendations in 1990: 1. 27% jobs reservation has been made in central and state government. 2. Many Welfare Schemes have also been launched as Swarnima National Backward classes Finance and Development Corporation.

Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. Describe the role of such government in Indian Democratic set up. 3. What does this statement “Support the government from outside” mean?

Answer: 1. A puppet government showing example of coalition government. 2. It plays negative and positive role both. In a negative way, it provides unstable form of government. In a positive way, it provides opportuni¬ties to regional parties also in forming ruling alliances. 3. No direct participation and position in government but support in the formation of government. 2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions 1. What does the picture indicate? 2. Which party is being referred to as one party dominance? 3. Identify female character in the cartoon.

Answer: 1. It depicts change from one party dominance to a multi-party alliance system. 2. Congress. 3. Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/30N5NzJ