Indian Politics 2

Introduction
Indian politics has undergone significant transformations since the 1990s, marked by the
emergence of coalition governments, shifts in party dynamics, and the decline of the
Congress system. This report explores key developments, particularly focusing on the era of
coalition politics, including the National Front, United Front, United Progressive Alliance
(UPA), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), alongside the decline of the Congress
party and the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
1. Era of Coalition Politics

The shift towards coalition politics in India began in the late 1980s and became more
pronounced in the 1990s. This era was characterized by the inability of any single party to
secure a majority in the Lok Sabha, leading to the formation of multi-party alliances.
1.1 National Front (1989-1991)
The National Front, formed in 1989, was a coalition led by the Janata Dal, which aimed to
bring together various regional and leftist parties. The coalition government, supported by the
Congress party, was short-lived, lasting until 1991. Key challenges included managing
diverse interests and governance issues, which ultimately led to its collapse.
1.2 United Front (1996-1998)
The United Front emerged after the 1996 elections, comprising several regional parties and
the Congress party providing external support. The United Front government, led by H.D.
Deve Gowda and later I.K. Gujral, focused on economic reforms and social justice. However,
internal conflicts and lack of a cohesive agenda resulted in its instability, leading to its
dissolution in 1998.
2. United Progressive Alliance (UPA) (2004-2014)

The UPA, formed after the 2004 general elections, was a coalition led by the Congress party.
It marked a significant comeback for the Congress, driven by the leadership of Sonia Gandhi
and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
2.1 Achievements and Challenges
The UPA government implemented several progressive policies, including the National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act. However, it faced
criticism over issues like corruption scandals (notably the 2G spectrum case) and inflation,
which affected its popularity.
2.2 2014 Elections
Despite its achievements, the UPA lost the 2014 elections decisively to the NDA, led by the
BJP. This marked a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting growing public
discontent with the UPA's governance.
3. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) (2014-Present)
The NDA, led by the BJP under Narendra Modi, has dominated Indian politics since 2014.
The coalition has emphasized economic development, nationalism, and social reforms.
3.1 Key Policies and Initiatives
The NDA government has introduced several initiatives, including the Goods and Services
Tax (GST), Make in India, and Digital India, aiming to boost economic growth and
streamline governance.
3.2 Electoral Success
The NDA's strong performance in the 2014 and 2019 elections highlighted the decline of
traditional political parties, particularly the Congress. The BJP’s effective use of social media
and its appeal to the youth have been instrumental in its electoral successes.
4. Decline of the Congress System

The Congress party, which dominated Indian politics for decades, has experienced a
significant decline in recent years.
4.1 Factors Contributing to Decline
1. Leadership Crisis: The party's leadership, particularly under Sonia Gandhi and Rahul
Gandhi, has been criticized for lack of vision and strategy.
2. Internal Divisions: Infighting and factionalism have weakened the party's
organizational structure.
3. Failure to Adapt: The Congress has struggled to address the changing aspirations of
voters, especially in the context of regional parties gaining strength.
4.2 Consequences
The decline of the Congress has led to a more fragmented political landscape, with regional
parties gaining prominence and the BJP consolidating its position as the leading national
party.
Conclusion
Recent developments in Indian politics reflect a significant shift from a Congress-dominated
landscape to a multi-party system characterized by coalition politics. The rise of the NDA
and the decline of the Congress have reshaped political dynamics, influencing governance
and policy-making. As India navigates this complex political environment, the ability of
parties to adapt to changing voter preferences will be crucial for future electoral success. The
ongoing evolution of Indian politics continues to pose challenges and opportunities, requiring
continuous analysis and engagement from all stakeholders.

Indian Politics 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Indian Politics 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Indian Politics 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction

1. Era of Coalition Politics

1.1 National Front (1989-1991)

1.2 United Front (1996-1998)

2. United Progressive Alliance (UPA) (2004-2014)

2.1 Achievements and Challenges

2.2 2014 Elections

3.1 Key Policies and Initiatives

3.2 Electoral Success

4. Decline of the Congress System

4.1 Factors Contributing to Decline

You might also like