Previous Year: Short Questions with Answers - Recent Developments in Indian Politics

Previous Year Questions 2025

Q.1. The recommendations of Mandal Commission were implemented in which one of the following year? (1 Mark)
(A) 1989 
(B) 1990 
(C) 1991 
(D) 1992

Answer: (B)
Solution: In August 1990, the National Front government led by V.P. Singh decided to implement the commission's recommendation for 27% job reservations for Other Backward Classes in central government.

Q.2. New Economic Policy was adopted in India under the Prime Ministership of ________. (1 Mark)
(A) V.P. Singh 
(B) Manmohan Singh 
(C) Narasimha Rao 
(D) H.D. Deve Gauda

Answer: (C)
Solution: Although initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, the New Economic Policy or structural adjustment program became highly visible and was formally adopted under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991.

Q.3. Kanshi Ram was the founder of which of the following political parties? (1 Mark)
(A) B.R. Ambedkar 
(B) Mayawati 
(C) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 
(D) Mulayam Singh

Answer: (C)
Solution: Kanshi Ram was the proponent of Bahujan empowerment and founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984, after previously establishing BAMCEF and the Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti.

Q.4. Who among the following Prime Ministers radically changed the direction of the Indian economy?  (1 Mark)
(A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee 
(B) Chandra Shekhar 
(C) V.P. Singh 
(D) P.V. Narsimha Rao

Answer: (D)
Solution: P.V. Narasimha Rao, as Prime Minister starting in 1991, implemented new economic reforms that shifted India toward a structural adjustment programme, fundamentally altering the economy's post-independence direction. 

Q.5. Name any four Prime Ministers of India who ruled for less than a year. (2 Marks)

Answer: Several Prime Ministers during the "Era of Coalitions" had tenures lasting less than twelve months. These include V.P. Singh (1989-90), Chandra Shekhar (1990-91), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (during his first stint in 1996 for 13 days), and I.K. Gujral (1997-98). These short tenures reflected political instability during the coalition era. They highlighted the difficulties of sustaining governments without a clear parliamentary majority.

Q.6. Explain any two reasons for the beginning of a long phase of coalition politics in India since 1989.  (4 Marks)

Answer: First, the decline of the "Congress System" was a primary factor. While Congress remained a large party, the 1989 elections ended its centrality and dominance in the party system, as no single party secured a clear majority until 2014. Second, the emergence of powerful regional parties and movements representing Dalit and backward castes (OBCs) fragmented the vote. These parties asserted regional interests and played a "kingmaker" role, making any central government dependent on the participation or support of many regional allies to survive.
These developments permanently altered the structure of Indian party politics. Coalition governments became the new norm at the Centre for over two decades.

Q.7. Explain the role of 'Other Backward Classes' (OBCs) in Indian politics. (4 Marks)

Answer: The Other Backward Classes emerged as a formidable political force, shifting the focus toward communities suffering from educational and social backwardness. The implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990 served as a catalyst, creating a distinct "OBC identity" through intense national debates on reservations. Consequently, parties representing OBCs demanded an adequate share of political power and representation in administration, arguing that as a large segment of society, their voice was essential for a true democracy. This period saw the rise of non-Congress parties that drew their core strength from these backward castes.
The rise of OBCs democratized political power by broadening representation. It reduced the dominance of traditionally elite social groups in Indian politics.

Q.8. Explain any two changes brought about in Indian politics by the coalition governments formed after 1989. (4 Marks)

Answer: First, coalitions changed the nature of governance by shifting the focus from ideological positions to pragmatic considerations. Political alliances were formed without ideological agreement, focusing instead on power-sharing arrangements, such as the NDA where many parties disagreed with the BJP's "Hindutva" but stayed for a full term. Second, it elevated the status of regional parties, making them central players in national policy-making. Since no single national party could rule alone, state-level parties began sharing power at the Centre, effectively bridging the distinction between regional and national political agendas.
Coalition politics made governance more consultative and inclusive. It strengthened federalism by giving states a greater voice at the national level.

Q.9. Explain any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission made in 1980. (4 Marks)

Answer: The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, made several proposals to end backwardness. First, it recommended reserving 27 per cent of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to address their low presence in public services. Second, the Commission emphasized that educational and social status were tied to economic factors and therefore recommended land reforms to improve the living conditions of the OBCs. These recommendations were based on a survey that identified "backward classes" as "backward castes" situated low in the hierarchy.
These recommendations aimed to ensure social justice through adequate representation. They reshaped India's political and administrative landscape after their implementation.

Previous Year Questions 2024

Q.1. Arrange the following Prime Ministers of India in the chronological order as per their period of rule : (1 Mark) 
(i) H.D. Deve Gowda 
(ii) Chandra Shekhar 
(iii) P.V. Narsimha Rao 
(iv) V.P. Singh 
Choose the correct option. 
(A) (i), (ii), (iv), (iii) 
(B) (iii), (iv), (ii), (i) 
(C) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) 
(D) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i) 

Answer: (D) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)
Solution: Following the 1989 elections, V.P. Singh became PM (1989), followed by Chandra Shekhar (1990), P.V. Narsimha Rao (1991), and finally H.D. Deve Gowda (1996).

Q.2. Match List-I with the List-II and choose the correct option : (1 Mark) 
(A) 1-(iv), 2-(i), 3-(ii), 4-(iii) 
(B) 1-(i), 2-(ii), 3-(iii), 4-(iv) 
(C) 1-(iv), 2-(iii), 3-(ii), 4-(i) 
(D) 1-(i), 2-(iv), 3-(ii), 4-(iii) 

Answer: (A) 1-(iv), 2-(i), 3-(ii), 4-(iii)
Solution: The BJP-led NDA won the 17th Lok Sabha; the National Front implemented Mandal; H.D. Deve Gowda led the United Front; and Manmohan Singh led the UPA.

Q.3. Highlight any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission. 

Answer: The Recommendation  of the Mandal Commission:
(i) The commission advised that "backward classes' should be understood to mean "backward castes', since many castes, other than the scheduled castes ,were also treated as low in the caste hierarchy.
(ii) Reservation of 27% of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
(iii) To bring about land reforms, to improve the conditions of the OBCs.  

Q.4. Describe any two factors responsible for the economic growth in Sri Lanka despite the internal conflicts. 

Answer: Factors  responsible for economic growth in Sri Lanka:
(i) Sri Lanka has recorded high levels of human development. It was one of the first developing countries to successfully control the rate of growth of population.
(ii) It was the first country in the region to liberalise the economy.
(iii) It has had the highest per capita income and gross domestic product for many years right through the civil war.
(iv) Despite the ravages of internal conflict, it has maintained a democratic, political system.

Q.5. Name the state to which the former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur belonged. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur belonged to the state of Bihar. He was a pioneer in introducing reservation policies for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in his state during the 1970s.

Q.6. Explain any two changes that came in Indian politics after 2014 as compared to the period 1989 to 2014. (2 Marks) 

Answer: A major change after 2014 was the shift from coalition governments to a single-party majority, with the BJP winning clear majorities in 2014 and 2019. Additionally, the state saw accelerated decision-making in social, foreign, and economic sectors, ending the previous era of reliance on regional support for forming ruling alliances. This marked a decisive break from the coalition era and signalled a new phase of centralized and stable governance. Indian politics witnessed greater continuity in policy-making.

Q.7. Explain the impact of acceptance of the political and social claims of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) on the political parties of India. (2 Marks) 

Answer: The acceptance of OBC claims led all major political parties to support the reservation of seats in education and employment. Parties now recognize that OBCs constitute a large segment of society and are willing to ensure they receive an adequate share of political power and administrative representation. As a result, social justice became a central theme of electoral politics. No major party can now ignore the political significance of OBCs.

Q.8. Assess any two advantages of coalition governments at the Centre. (2 Marks) 

Answer: Coalition governments provided a platform for regional parties to play a crucial role in national governance, making the system more representative. They also encouraged a shift from ideological rigidity to pragmatic power-sharing, where parties focused on consensus-building and common governance agendas rather than differences. Thus, coalition governments strengthened federalism and inclusiveness. They reflected India's social and regional diversity more accurately.

Q.9. Assess the impact of the implementation of the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. (2 Marks) 

Answer: Implementation sparked violent 'anti-Mandal' protests and national debate, but it also made OBC communities deeply aware of their political identity. This led to the emergence of many parties specifically seeking better opportunities and a greater share of political power for the backward castes. Overall, Mandal politics permanently altered the nature of political mobilisation in India. It brought backward castes to the centre of democratic power.

Q.10. Assess any two weaknesses of the coalition governments formed in India from 1989 to 1999. (2 Marks)

Answer: One major weakness was political instability, as governments like the United Front relied on outside support from ideologically opposed parties. Additionally, these governments often faced frequent leadership changes and the constant threat of withdrawal of support, making it difficult to maintain a stable, long-term policy direction. These weaknesses often led to short-lived governments and policy paralysis. Stability became a major concern during this phase.

Previous Year Questions 2023

Q.1. Highlight any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission. 

Answer: Recommendations of the Mandal Commission.
(i) Reservation of 27 percent of seats in educational institutions and govt jobs for backward classes.
(ii) Backward classes should be understood as castes other than the Schedule Castes.
(iii) Land Reforms to improve the condition of OBCs.

Q.2. Identify and name of any two Prime Ministers of India who remained in power for less than a year. 

​Answer:
(i) H.D. Deve Gowda
(ii) I.K. Gujral
(iii) Chandra Shekhar
(iv) Charan Singh
(v) V.P. Singh

Previous Year Questions 2022

Q.1. Highlight any two challenges faced by BRICS.​

Answer: The challenges faced by BRICS:
(i) The political tensions between the member states.
(ii) The economic growth is slow and recession in some of its member states can be observed.
Each of BRICS countries face a unique set of challenges.

Q.2. Highlight any four factors that have made the European Union act as a Nation-State. 

Answer:The European Union has now started to act more as a nation state because:
(i) European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date and common currency.
(ii) European Union bears common foreign and security policy.
(iii) The EU has made efforts to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members especially from Soviet bloc.
(iv) The EU has economic, political and diplomatic and military influence.

Q.3. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a threat to democracy.

Answer:
(i) 1984 - Anti-Sikh riots
(ii) 1992 - Aftermath of Ayodhya dispute
(iii) 2002 - Anti-Muslim riots

Q.4. Who was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommendation made by him / her? 

Answer: The chairperson of Mandal Commission was Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal. The main recommendation of this Commission was a reservation of 27% in education and government employment opportunities to OBCs.

Q.5. Highlight any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission. 

Answer: Recommendations of the Mandal Commission:
(i) Land reform for the upliftment of the OBC.
(ii) Reservation for OBCs in the government jobs and educational institutions.

Q.6. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989. 
Or 
Analyse any four major developments in Indian politics after 1989. 

Answer: Political Developments since 1989:
(i) Defeat of the Congress party in the elections held in 1989.
(ii) Rise of Reservation issue in national politics as the National Front Government decided to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.
(iii) The economic policy of India went under drastic changes and economic reforms were introduced.
(iv) Demolition of the disputed structure of Babri Masjid.

Q.7. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences led to?

Answer: The main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989 were as follows:
(i) Rise of other Backward Class as a political force.
(ii) Decision of the National Front government to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission and subsequent stir.
(iii) Rise of Politics based on religious identity and debate about secularism and democracy.
(iv) Demolation of Babri Masjid.
(v) Anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.
(vi) End of Congress dominance and beginning of era of coalition politics.
These issues led to difference configurations of political parties as mentioned below: Political parties accepted the political and social claims of the backward castes. All political parties began to support reservation of seats for the backward classes in education and employment.
This gave rise to an era of coalition politics. Colition governments were formed i.e., National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, NDA in 1997, 1998 and 1999, and the UPA in 2004 and 2009.

Q.8. Explain the concept of a 'Coalition Government'. 

Answer: Coalition Government: Coming together/ joining of two or more political parties to form government.

Q.9. Name two alliances / fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively.

Answer: 1989 - National Front 1996 - United Front

Q.10. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984 - 2004?

Answer: 
(i) Decline of Congress and rise of BJP.
(ii) Congress from 415 seats to 145 seats.
(iii) BJP from 2 to 138 seats.

Q.11. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?

Answer: 
(i) Since 1989.
(ii) No party was able to get a clear majority in spite of Congress being the largest party in Lok Sabha.
(iii) Janata Dal and some regional parties received support from BJP and Left Front.
(iv) National Front formed coalition government.
(v) BJP and the Left front did not join the government, and supported from outside.
(vi) Coalition governments were not static and changed from time to time.

Q.12. "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:
(i) Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements.
(ii) Most parties of NDA did not agree with the 'Hindutva' ideology of BJP, still they came together to form government and remained in power also for full term.

Q.13. 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:
(i) 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. The Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support, and finally withdrew it. The rule of National Front ended in November 1990.
(ii) 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.
(iii) From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support.
(iv) The political competition during the nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress.

Q.14. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance, the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons. 

Answer: In the late 1960s, the dominance of the Congress party was challenged, but the Congress under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, managed to re-establish its predominant position in politics. The defeat of Congress party in 1989, marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian party system. But the Congress continued to influence politics in the country.
(i) The 1990s, saw yet another challenge to the predominant position of the Congress. It improved performance and came back to power after general elections in 1991.
(ii) It also supported the United Front Government.
(iii) In 1996, the Left Front 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.
(iv) 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.