All Exams  >   Humanities/Arts  >   Political Science CUET Preparation  >   All Questions

All questions of Recent Developments in Indian Politics for Humanities/Arts Exam

Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Federalism is an instrument of power sharing between independent authorities’ viz. Union and State. Coalition government is also a means of power sharing. Logically both federalism and coalition government should be complimentary to each other. As the object of sharing of power is common in both, a student of politics or law may gather the impression that coalition government is always supportive of federal form of government or constitution and sometime also gives more opportunity for expression of ideas and democratic rights to small and regional parties. In this way it seems that coalition government promotes democracy and representative administration. But there are some grey areas also of the coalition politics like sometimes the coalition which are formed after declaration of election which give rise to ‘horse trading’ for the purpose of proving majority on the floor of house of representatives.
Vajpayee led National Democratic Alliance from 1999 to 2004. While some say that coalition governments generate more inclusive policies, others believe that coalitions impose constraints on policy making.
Q. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the PM of India from:
(a) 2000 to 2005
(b) 2003 to 2014
(c) 1999 to 2004
(d) None of the above
Correct answer is 'c'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Yadav answered
Atal Bihari Vajpayee served three terms as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, followed by a full term from 1999 to 2004.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in the year
  • a)
    1989.
  • b)
    1990.
  • c)
    1991.
  • d)
    1992.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Pillai answered
Introduction:
Rajiv Gandhi, the 6th Prime Minister of India, was assassinated on May 21, 1991. His assassination was a tragic event that shook the nation and left a lasting impact on Indian politics.

Explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option 'C' - 1991. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Background:
Rajiv Gandhi, the son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, entered politics after her assassination in 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989.

2. Assassination:
On May 21, 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while attending an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organization from Sri Lanka.

3. Events leading to the Assassination:
The LTTE had been fighting for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka since the early 1980s. Rajiv Gandhi, during his tenure as Prime Minister, had sent the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka to intervene in the conflict. However, the IPKF faced opposition from both the LTTE and other factions in Sri Lanka, leading to a complex and challenging situation.

4. Motive behind the Assassination:
The LTTE perceived Rajiv Gandhi's intervention in Sri Lanka as a threat to their cause. They believed that his assassination would not only eliminate a powerful opponent but also draw international attention to their struggle for an independent Tamil state.

5. Immediate Aftermath:
The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi sent shockwaves across India and the world. The nation mourned his loss, and there was a massive outpouring of grief and anger. The LTTE was widely condemned for the act, and there were calls for justice and action against the organization.

6. Investigation and Trials:
Following the assassination, extensive investigations were carried out to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Several individuals, including LTTE members, were arrested and put on trial. In 1998, the trial concluded, and four individuals, including the suicide bomber, were convicted and sentenced to death.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in the year 1991. His assassination was a significant event in Indian history, marking a tragic loss for the nation and leaving a lasting impact on its political landscape.

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
Assertion: The BJP continued to consolidate its position in the elections of 1991 and 1996.
Reason: It emerged as the largest party in the 1996 election and was invited to form the government.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Avi Kapoor answered
Assertion: The BJP continued to consolidate its position in the elections of 1991 and 1996.
Reason: It emerged as the largest party in the 1996 election and was invited to form the government.

The correct answer is option A, which states that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Explanation:
Consolidation of BJP's position in the 1991 elections:
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a major political party in India with a right-wing ideology.
- In the 1991 general elections, the BJP made significant gains and emerged as the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.
- This was a significant achievement for the party as it had previously struggled to establish a strong presence at the national level.
- The BJP's increased vote share and number of seats in the 1991 elections marked the beginning of its consolidation as a major political force in India.

Consolidation of BJP's position in the 1996 elections:
- In the 1996 general elections, the BJP further consolidated its position and emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha.
- The party won 161 seats out of a total of 545 seats, surpassing the Indian National Congress (INC) which won 140 seats.
- As per the Indian Constitution, the President of India invites the leader of the party with the majority of seats to form the government.
- Since the BJP had the largest number of seats, its leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee was invited to form the government.
- This was a significant milestone for the BJP as it marked the first time that a non-Congress party had been invited to form the government at the national level.

Conclusion:
The assertion that the BJP continued to consolidate its position in the elections of 1991 and 1996 is true. The BJP's increased vote share and number of seats in the 1991 elections, followed by its emergence as the largest party in the 1996 elections, indicate a growing support base and political influence. The reason provided, that the BJP was invited to form the government in 1996 due to its status as the largest party, is the correct explanation for the assertion.

Which party pursued the politics of ‘Hindutva’ and adopted the strategy of mobilising the Hindus?
  • a)
    Bhartiya Janata Party.
  • b)
    Congress.
  • c)
    Communist Party of India.
  • d)
    Bahujan Samaj Party.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Chauhan answered
Hindutva implies '' Hinduness'', was coined by Vir Savarkar. After 1986, the BJP began to emphasise the Hindu nationalist element in its ideology. The BJP pursued the politics of ‘Hindutva’ and adopted the strategy of mobilising the Hindus.

The recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented in the year
  • a)
    1990.
  • b)
    1991.
  • c)
    1992.
  • d)
    1993.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Shruti Joshi answered
In August 1990, the National Front government decided to implement one of the recommendations of Mandal Commission pertaining to reservations for OBCs in jobs in the central government and its undertakings. All the recommendations of the report are not yet implemented. The recommendation of reservations for OBC's in government services was implemented in 1993. The recommendation of reservations in higher educational institutes was implemented in 2008.

The General Elections of 2004 resulted in
  • a)
    dominance of Congress.
  • b)
    coalition government.
  • c)
    convincing victory of BJP.
  • d)
    emergence of Akali Dal.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Bose answered
The General Elections of 2004 resulted in a coalition government.

In the General Elections of 2004 in India, no single party was able to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament). As a result, a coalition government was formed with the support of multiple political parties. The coalition government was led by the Indian National Congress and its allies.

Reasons for the coalition government:

1. Lack of majority: None of the political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, were able to secure the required number of seats (272 out of 543) to form a government independently. This led to the necessity of forming a coalition government.

2. Regional diversity: India is a diverse country with multiple states, each having its own regional political parties. These regional parties play a crucial role in the formation of a coalition government. In 2004, several regional parties joined hands with the Congress to form a coalition government.

3. Anti-incumbency factor: The ruling party at that time, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), faced anti-incumbency sentiment due to various factors such as economic issues, internal conflicts, and dissatisfaction among certain sections of society. This contributed to the fragmentation of votes and the formation of a coalition government.

4. United Progressive Alliance (UPA): The coalition government formed after the 2004 elections was known as the United Progressive Alliance. It consisted of various political parties, including the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Nationalist Congress Party, and others.

Impact of the coalition government:

1. Stability and governance: The coalition government faced challenges in terms of decision-making and policy implementation due to the involvement of multiple parties with different ideologies. However, it managed to provide a stable government and effectively govern the country for the next five years.

2. Policy reforms: The coalition government focused on implementing various policy reforms in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development. It introduced initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and Right to Information Act (RTI), which had a significant impact on the lives of the people.

3. Foreign policy: The coalition government pursued a balanced foreign policy approach, maintaining relations with both the United States and other major powers, as well as strengthening ties with neighboring countries. It played a crucial role in shaping India's position on global issues.

In conclusion, the General Elections of 2004 in India resulted in a coalition government due to the lack of a single party securing a majority. The coalition government led by the Indian National Congress successfully governed the country for the next five years, implementing various policy reforms and maintaining stability.

Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Federalism is an instrument of power sharing between independent authorities’ viz. Union and State. Coalition government is also a means of power sharing. Logically both federalism and coalition government should be complimentary to each other. As the object of sharing of power is common in both, a student of politics or law may gather the impression that coalition government is always supportive of federal form of government or constitution and sometime also gives more opportunity for expression of ideas and democratic rights to small and regional parties. In this way it seems that coalition government promotes democracy and representative administration. But there are some grey areas also of the coalition politics like sometimes the coalition which are formed after declaration of election which give rise to ‘horse trading’ for the purpose of proving majority on the floor of house of representatives.
Vajpayee led National Democratic Alliance from 1999 to 2004. While some say that coalition governments generate more inclusive policies, others believe that coalitions impose constraints on policy making.
Q. What is one of the “grey areas” of coalition politics?
  • a)
    Its too fragile
  • b)
    Citizens are not given advantage
  • c)
    Horse trading
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Yadav answered
Anti Defection Law is known as horse trading in Indian politics.

Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions:
Q. In 1989 elections, how many seats did Congress win?
  • a)
    145
  • b)
    157
  • c)
    180
  • d)
    415
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

In the 1989 Indian general elections, the Indian National Congress (Congress) won 197 seats in the Lok Sabha, under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi. This was a significant reduction from their 1984 victory, but still allowed them to form the government with a majority.

Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Federalism is an instrument of power sharing between independent authorities’ viz. Union and State. Coalition government is also a means of power sharing. Logically both federalism and coalition government should be complimentary to each other. As the object of sharing of power is common in both, a student of politics or law may gather the impression that coalition government is always supportive of federal form of government or constitution and sometime also gives more opportunity for expression of ideas and democratic rights to small and regional parties. In this way it seems that coalition government promotes democracy and representative administration. But there are some grey areas also of the coalition politics like sometimes the coalition which are formed after declaration of election which give rise to ‘horse trading’ for the purpose of proving majority on the floor of house of representatives.
Vajpayee led National Democratic Alliance from 1999 to 2004. While some say that coalition governments generate more inclusive policies, others believe that coalitions impose constraints on policy making.
Q. What is common in both (Federalism and Coalition Government)?
  • a)
    The object of sharing of power
  • b)
    Students movements
  • c)
    Authoritative regime
  • d)
    Socialist ideology
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajesh Gupta answered
Federalism is an instrument of power sharing between independent authorities’ viz. union and state. Coalition government is also a means of power sharing. Logically both federalism and coalition government should be complementary to each other. As the object of sharing of power is common in both, a student of politics or law may gather the impression that a coalition government is always supportive of the federal form of government or constitution and sometimes also gives more opportunity for expression of ideas and democratic rights to small and regional parties. In this way it seems that the coalition government promotes democracy and representative administration. But there are some grey areas also of the coalition politics like sometimes the coalition which are formed after declaration of election which give rise to ‘horse trading’ for the purpose of proving majority on the floor of house of representatives. The paper discusses the development of coalition politics and explores some solutions how the grey areas in coalition politics can be minimized.

Read the following paragraph carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been eleven 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, the BJP- led coalition in 1998, the NDA in 1999, and the UPA in 2004 and 2009. However, this trend changed in 2014. Let us connect this development with what we have learnt so far. The era of coalition governments may be seen as a long-term trend resulting from relatively silent changes that were taking place over the last few decades.
In the 1980s, the Janata Dal brought together a similar combination of political groups with strong support among the OBCs. The decision of the National Front government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission further helped in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’. The intense national debate for and against reservation in jobs made people from the OBC communities more aware of this identity.
Q. Why is a coalition government formed?
  • a)
    To give other political parties a chance
  • b)
    Because no single party has achieved an absolute majority after an election
  • c)
    To display the democratic spirit
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Mehta answered
There are three main reasons political coalitions are formed: In government, to secure a governing majority; in opposition, to create a credible alternative to government; and during elections, to consolidate electoral support and maximize results.
There are several essential ingredients of a successful coalition:
  • The coalition must be beneficial to all of its constituent parts; there must be something in it for everyone.
  • There must be mutual respect and understanding. Each partner must demonstrate an ability to understand the others’ point of view, even when there is disagreement.
  • There must be a willingness to compromise.
  • There must be a sense of partnership, even if member parties are different in size. Partnership does not mean that all responsibilities and positions are divided evenly within the coalition, but that each grouping is respected for the unique attributes it brings to the coalition and has an equitable and fair say in how decisions are made and benefits distributed.

The political developments after the 1990s reveals the emergence of
  • a)
    congress dominance.
  • b)
    consolidation of BJP.
  • c)
    coalition government.
  • d)
    regional politics.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Elections in 1989 led to the defeat of the Congress party but did not result in a majority for any other party. Though the Congress was the largest party in the Lok Sabha, it did not have a clear majority and therefore, it decided to sit in the opposition. The National Front (which itself was an alliance of Janata Dal and some other regional parties) received support from two diametrically opposite political groups: the BJP and the Left Front. On this basis, the National Front formed a coalition government, but the BJP and the Left Front did not join in this government.

Which political party was joined by B.P. Mandal in 1977?
  • a)
    Bahujan Samaj Party.
  • b)
    Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh
  • c)
    Congress Party.
  • d)
    Janata Party.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Arnav Basu answered
B. P. Mandal was a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha for the state of Bihar from 1977-1979. He chaired the second backward classes commission. He joined the Janata Party in 1977.

Read the following paragraph carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been eleven 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, the BJP- led coalition in 1998, the NDA in 1999, and the UPA in 2004 and 2009. However, this trend changed in 2014. Let us connect this development with what we have learnt so far. The era of coalition governments may be seen as a long-term trend resulting from relatively silent changes that were taking place over the last few decades.
In the 1980s, the Janata Dal brought together a similar combination of political groups with strong support among the OBCs. The decision of the National Front government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission further helped in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’. The intense national debate for and against reservation in jobs made people from the OBC communities more aware of this identity.
Q. Which government took the decision to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission?
  • a)
    UPA 2009
  • b)
    NDA 2014
  • c)
    janata dal Government
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajesh Gupta answered
The commission submitted the report to the president on December 30, 1980. It recommended a 27% reservation quota for OBC resulting in a total 49.5% quota in government jobs and public universities. V. P. Singh, the Prime Minister at the time, tried to implement its recommendations in August 1990 which led to protests.

Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follows:
The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties and movements that represented the Dalit and backward castes (Other Backward Classes or OBCs). Many of these parties represented powerful regional assertion as well. These parties played an important role in the United Front government that came to power in 1996. The United Front was similar to the National Front of 1989 for it included Janata Dal and several regional parties. This time the BJP did not support the government. The United Front government was supported by the Congress. This shows how unstable the political equations were. In 1989, both the Left and the BJP supported the National Front Government because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. In 1996, the Left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time the Congress, supported it, as both the Congress and the Left wanted to keep the BJP out of power.
Q. What is the full form of OBC?
  • a)
    Other Backward Castes
  • b)
    Other Backward Classes
  • c)
    Other Below Classes
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding OBC
The term OBC stands for "Other Backward Classes." It is crucial to understand its significance in the socio-political context of India. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Definition of OBC
- OBC refers to a collective of castes that are recognized as socially and educationally backward.
- This classification is part of India's affirmative action policy aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities.
Options Analysis
- a) Other Backward Castes: This is the correct full form of OBC, as it encompasses a variety of castes that are considered to be at a disadvantage in terms of education and economic opportunities.
- b) Other Backward Classes: Although this option is similar, it is often used interchangeably with "Other Backward Castes." However, the term "Classes" can also be perceived as broader, including various socio-economic aspects.
- c) Other Below Classes: This option is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the term OBC.
- d) None of the above: This is not applicable since option 'a' is indeed correct.
Importance of OBC in Politics
- The rise of OBC representation in political parties during the nineties highlighted the need for social justice and equality.
- OBC movements have played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape, particularly in regional politics, and have contributed to the formation of coalitions like the United Front government in 1996.
In conclusion, the full form of OBC is most accurately represented by "Other Backward Castes," reflecting the focus on caste-based social justice in India.

Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions:
Q.Identify the leader numbered 3 in the cartoon.
  • a)
    Rajiv Gandhi
  • b)
    L K Advani
  • c)
    V P Singh
  • d)
    Devi Lal
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Yadav answered
Lal Krishna Advani is an Indian politician who is member of Margadarshak mandal and served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Advani is one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
Assertion: The decision of the National Front Government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission further helped in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’.
Reason: This period saw the emergence of many parties that sought disastrous decisions and approach for OBCs.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Assertion and Reasoning in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’

Explanation:

  • The assertion states that the decision of the National Front Government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission helped in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’.

  • The reasoning states that this period saw the emergence of many parties that sought disastrous decisions and approach for OBCs.

  • Both the assertion and reasoning are related to the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’ and the Mandal Commission.

  • However, the reasoning is not a correct explanation of the assertion and is false.

  • The assertion is true because the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations led to the formation of new political parties representing the OBCs, such as the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

  • These parties gained significant support and power in the following years, and the OBCs became a crucial vote bank in Indian politics.



Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

In February and March 2002, large scale Riot  took place in
  • a)
    Rajasthan.
  • b)
    Gujarat.
  • c)
    Punjab.
  • d)
    Uttar Pradesh.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anand Das answered
On 27 February 2002 at Godhra City in the state of Gujarat, the Sabarmati Express train was forcibly stopped and attacked by a large mob. Following this, Riot erupted between the Muslims and the Hindus.

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
Assertion: One of the developments was the rise of the ‘Mandal issue’ in national politics.
Reason: This followed the decision by the new National Front government in 1990, to implement the recommendation of the Mandal Commission that jobs in Central government should be reserved for the Other Backward Classes.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anuj Patel answered
Assertion: One of the developments was the rise of the ‘Mandal issue’ in national politics.
Reason: This followed the decision by the new National Front government in 1990, to implement the recommendation of the Mandal Commission that jobs in Central government should be reserved for the Other Backward Classes.

The correct answer is option 'A' - Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:
The assertion states that one of the developments that occurred in national politics was the rise of the 'Mandal issue'. The reason provided is that this rise was a result of the decision made by the National Front government in 1990 to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendation of job reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central government.

The Mandal Commission was established in 1979 by the Janata Party government to examine the extent of social, educational, and economic backwardness among different sections of society. The commission submitted its report in 1980, recommending 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs, which was later implemented by the National Front government in 1990.

The rise of the 'Mandal issue' refers to the widespread protests and debates that emerged in response to the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations. These protests were primarily led by students, youth, and upper-caste groups who opposed the reservation policy. The issue became a significant factor in national politics during that time, leading to various political and social mobilizations.

The reason provided in the statement is a correct explanation of the assertion. The rise of the 'Mandal issue' was directly linked to the decision to implement job reservations for OBCs, as stated by the National Front government. The assertion and the reason are both true and logically connected, supporting the answer choice 'A'.

In summary, the rise of the 'Mandal issue' in national politics was a consequence of the National Front government's decision to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendation of job reservations for OBCs in the Central government. This decision sparked widespread protests and debates, making it a significant development in national politics during that period.

Who headed the central government in India after 1998 parliamentary elections?
  • a)
    Atal Bihari Vajpayee
  • b)
    P.V. Narsimha Rao.
  • c)
    H. D. Deve Gowda.
  • d)
    I. K. Gujral.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the 11th Prime Minister of India. After a brief stint as Prime Minister in 1996, Vajpayee headed a coalition government from 19 March 1998 until 19 May 2004. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Lucknow until 2009.

Study the cartoon given below and answer the following questions:
Q. Which was the most controversial issue of the period related to leader no. 2 as Prime Minister of India?
  • a)
    Implementation of emergency in the country
  • b)
    Implementation of tax reforms
  • c)
    Implementation of Mandal Commission’s recommendation
  • d)
    Implementation of Foreign Direct Investment
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Yadav answered
Implementation of Mandal Commission: In 1990, the then Prime Minister V P Singh announced in the Parliament that the recommendations of the Mandal Commission would be implemented.
  • The announcement witnessed violent protests all over India, especially in northern and western India, and many students immolated themselves in protest and a few of them died as well.

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
Assertion: With the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been eleven governments at the Centre.
Reason: The late 1960s, various sections had been leaving the Congress fold and forming separate political parties of their own.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Upasana Chopra answered
Explanation:

Assertion and Reason Analysis:
- The assertion states that a long phase of coalition politics began in India with the elections of 1989 and there have been eleven governments at the Centre since then.
- The reason provided for this is that in the late 1960s, various sections had been leaving the Congress fold and forming separate political parties of their own.

Evaluation of Options:
- Option (a) states that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. However, this is not entirely accurate as the reason does not directly explain why coalition politics began in India in 1989.
- Option (b) correctly states that both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. This is the correct choice as the reason provided does not directly correlate with the assertion.
- Option (c) states that the assertion is true, but the reason is false. However, this is incorrect as the reason is indeed true.
- Option (d) states that the assertion is false, but the reason is true. This is also inaccurate as the assertion is true.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) as it accurately reflects the relationship between the assertion and reason provided.

Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follows:
The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties and movements that represented the Dalit and backward castes (Other Backward Classes or OBCs). Many of these parties represented powerful regional assertion as well. These parties played an important role in the United Front government that came to power in 1996. The United Front was similar to the National Front of 1989 for it included Janata Dal and several regional parties. This time the BJP did not support the government. The United Front government was supported by the Congress. This shows how unstable the political equations were. In 1989, both the Left and the BJP supported the National Front Government because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. In 1996, the Left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time the Congress, supported it, as both the Congress and the Left wanted to keep the BJP out of power.
Q. The Left and Congress continued to support United Front government:
  • a)
    because they wanted to keep BJP out of power.
  • b)
    because this was the most stable government of that time.
  • c)
    because it had the great support from people.
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The Context of Political Support
The passage discusses the political dynamics of the 1990s in India, specifically regarding the United Front government and the alliances formed to keep certain parties in power.
Reasons for Support from Left and Congress
- The Left and Congress chose to support the United Front government primarily to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power.
- This strategic alliance highlights the unstable political landscape during this time, where coalition governments were formed based on the necessity to counterbalance the influence of stronger parties like the BJP.
Instability of Political Equations
- The political environment was characterized by shifting alliances; in 1989, both the Left and the BJP supported the National Front government to exclude Congress.
- By 1996, the dynamics had changed, with the Congress and the Left coming together against the BJP, indicating a tactical maneuvering rather than a stable governance model.
Conclusion on the Correct Answer
- The option "a" is correct because it directly addresses the motive behind the Left and Congress's support for the United Front government—keeping the BJP out of power.
- Options "b" and "c" are misleading as they imply stability and popular support, which were not the primary reasons for their alliance during this tumultuous political period.
In summary, the primary motivation for the Left and Congress in supporting the United Front government was to strategically counter the BJP, making option 'a' the correct answer.

Read the following paragraph carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been eleven 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, the BJP- led coalition in 1998, the NDA in 1999, and the UPA in 2004 and 2009. However, this trend changed in 2014. Let us connect this development with what we have learnt so far. The era of coalition governments may be seen as a long-term trend resulting from relatively silent changes that were taking place over the last few decades.
In the 1980s, the Janata Dal brought together a similar combination of political groups with strong support among the OBCs. The decision of the National Front government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission further helped in shaping the politics of ‘Other Backward Classes’. The intense national debate for and against reservation in jobs made people from the OBC communities more aware of this identity.
Q. In which years, mentioned above, did NDA have coalition governments?
  • a)
    1999, 2003, 2008
  • b)
    1997, 1998, 1999
  • c)
    1998, 2004, 2009
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gayatri Yadav answered
Understanding the Coalition Governments of NDA
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had coalition governments in specific years as outlined in the provided paragraph. Here's a detailed explanation of the correct answer, which is option 'B' (1997, 1998, 1999).
Years of NDA Coalition Governments
- 1997: The NDA was formed for the first time in this year, signifying the beginning of a coalition that brought together various parties to govern.
- 1998: Following the elections, the NDA continued to govern, marking a significant period of coalition politics in India. The BJP led this coalition, highlighting its influence during this era.
- 1999: The NDA was re-elected and continued its governance. This year further solidified the coalition's position in Indian politics.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Option A (1999, 2003, 2008): The years 2003 and 2008 are not part of the NDA coalition periods mentioned in the paragraph.
- Option C (1998, 2004, 2009): While 1998 is correct, 2004 and 2009 refer to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), not the NDA.
- Option D (None of these): Since option B correctly lists the years of NDA coalition governments, this option is incorrect.
Conclusion
The correct identification of the years 1997, 1998, and 1999 is crucial in understanding the political landscape of India during the era of coalition governments led by the NDA. This period marked a significant shift in Indian politics, emphasizing the role of regional parties and coalition dynamics.

Chapter doubts & questions for Recent Developments in Indian Politics - Political Science CUET Preparation 2025 is part of Humanities/Arts exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the Humanities/Arts exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for Humanities/Arts 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of Recent Developments in Indian Politics - Political Science CUET Preparation in English & Hindi are available as part of Humanities/Arts exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Humanities/Arts Exam by signing up for free.

Top Courses Humanities/Arts