Main Issues in Indian Politics after 1989:

1. Coalition Politics:
After the 1989 general elections, the Indian political landscape witnessed a shift towards coalition politics. This was primarily due to the fragmentation of votes and the decline of single-party dominance. The rise of regional parties and the emergence of coalition governments at the center led to a new era of political alliances and power-sharing arrangements.

2. Social Identity Politics:
Another significant issue in Indian politics after 1989 was the growing prominence of social identity politics. Various caste, religious, and regional groups began demanding greater representation and political power. This led to the formation of parties based on caste or regional identities, which further fragmented the political landscape.

3. Corruption and Governance:
Corruption and governance became major concerns during this period. Scams and allegations of corruption involving top politicians and bureaucrats exposed the deep-rooted corruption in the system. This led to public outrage and demands for better governance and accountability from the political class.

4. Economic Reforms and Liberalization:
India embarked on a path of economic reforms and liberalization in the early 1990s. However, this process was not without its challenges. The implementation of economic reforms faced resistance from various political parties and interest groups who feared the impact on their constituencies. The liberalization process also resulted in economic disparities and social inequalities, leading to further political tensions.

Different Configurations of Political Parties:

1. National Parties:
National parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to play a significant role in Indian politics. However, their dominance was challenged by the rise of regional parties, leading to the need for alliances and coalition governments at the center.

2. Regional Parties:
The period after 1989 witnessed the emergence and growth of regional parties. These parties were primarily based on caste or regional identities and aimed to protect the interests of specific communities or regions. Examples include the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Telugu Desam Party.

3. Coalition Governments:
With the rise of regional parties and the decline of single-party dominance, coalition governments became the norm at the center. These governments were formed through alliances between multiple political parties and required constant negotiations and compromises to sustain power. Examples include the United Front government, National Democratic Alliance, and United Progressive Alliance.

4. Third Front:
The period after 1989 also witnessed the formation of a "Third Front" which aimed to provide an alternative to the national parties. This coalition of regional and left-leaning parties attempted to challenge the dominance of the INC and the BJP. However, the Third Front faced internal divisions and lacked a strong leadership, making it difficult to sustain its presence in national politics.

Overall, the period after 1989 marked a significant shift in Indian politics with the rise of coalition governments, the fragmentation of political parties along caste and regional lines, and the growing concerns of corruption and governance. These changes reshaped the political landscape and brought about new configurations of political parties at both the national and regional levels.