Table of contents |
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The UPA Years (2004 — 2014) |
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UPA First Term (May 2004-May 2009) |
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The 2009 General Elections |
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The 2014 General Elections |
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After the 2004 elections, the Congress formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) by aligning with minor parties to secure a majority over the NDA. Following President Abdul Kalam's invitation, the UPA, with external support from the BSP, Samajwadi Party, Kerala Congress, and the Left parties, successfully formed the government. This alliance enabled the UPA to sustain power for two consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2014. Despite challenges, the coalition government navigated through political complexities, maintaining stability and securing the necessary support to govern effectively over the course of its ten-year tenure.
During the UPA's first term (May 2004-May 2009), the anticipated choice for prime minister, Sonia Gandhi, declined the office, citing her 'inner voice' and potential complications due to her foreign origin. Instead, she nominated economist-turned-politician Manmohan Singh, who was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22, 2004, and held a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Despite not assuming the prime ministerial role, Sonia Gandhi retained her positions as Congress party president and UPA chairperson. The government's policies, outlined in a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) influenced significantly by the communist parties, were perceived to be 'left-of-centre.'
Manmohan Singh swearing oath as prime minister
MNREGA poster
Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement: The Manmohan Singh government prioritized strengthening ties with the United States. In July 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the US to initiate negotiations on the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. The landmark declaration on this agreement was made during President George W. Bush's visit to India in 2006. This agreement granted India access to American nuclear fuel and technology, ending a thirty-year ban on nuclear trade imposed by the US. However, India had to agree to IAEA inspections of its civil nuclear reactors. The government faced and won a confidence vote in July 2008 after the Left parties withdrew their support
India-China Relations: Manmohan Singh also endeavored to improve relations between India and China. In 2006, China's President Hu Jintao visited India, and in 2008, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reciprocated with a visit to Beijing. This diplomatic engagement resulted in the reopening of the Nathu La Pass in 2006, which had been closed for more than four decades. The reopening of this pass facilitated trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Manmohan Singh with Xi Jinping
Election of Pratibha Patil as President: In 2007, Pratibha Patil was elected and sworn in as the President of India, making her the first woman to hold this position in the country. A member of the Congress party and a close associate of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Patil had previously served as the Governor of Rajasthan. Her election marked a historic moment in Indian politics and was a significant step towards gender inclusivity in top political leadership.
Pratibha Patil as President
Multiple Targets and Perpetrators:
Muslim Cemetery Bombing (2006):
Mecca Masjid Blast (May 2007):
Ajmer Dargah Bombing (2007):
Samjhauta Express Blast (February 2007):
Mumbai Terror Attacks (November 2008):
Security Weaknesses Exposed:
Confession and Mastermind Identification:
Legal Proceedings and Execution:
Acquittal in Samjhauta Express Case (2019):
Samjhauta Express Bombing
L.K. Advani
Pre-Election Promise: Before the 2004 elections, the Congress party formed an alliance with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and promised to create a separate state of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh if the Congress came to power at the Centre.
2009 Election Success: In the 2009 elections, the Congress performed well in Andhra Pradesh. However, the Chief Minister at that time, Y.S.R. Reddy, who played a significant role in the victory, was opposed to the idea of dividing the state.
Change in Leadership: In September 2009, Y.S.R. Reddy passed away in a helicopter crash, leading to a shift in the leadership landscape. The movement for Telangana gained momentum under the leadership of K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).
Agitation and Fast: In November 2009, KCR went on a fast unto death to demand the creation of Telangana as a separate state. This led to widespread agitation and disruptions in Hyderabad, with supporters rallying in thousands.
Government Yielding: Under pressure, the Congress-led government at the Centre conceded to the demand, and in December 2009, it announced the initiation of the process to form the state. A commission led by retired Supreme Court judge B.N. Srikrishna was appointed to examine the bifurcation issue.
Formation of Telangana: Despite initial rejection of the commission's report by TRS, after negotiations, Parliament approved the Telangana Bill in February 2014. According to the act, Andhra Pradesh was formally divided to create the new state of Telangana. The two states were to share Hyderabad as the capital for ten years, and the Centre was to provide funds to Andhra Pradesh for building a new capital. Telangana officially came into existence in June 2014 with KCR as the chief minister.
KCR
Mamata Banerjee
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act):
Women's Reservation Bill:
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013:
Gang Rape Incident and Protests:
Verma Committee Recommendations:
National Food Security Act and Right to Food Act (2013):
In November 2013, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its first interplanetary mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). On September 24, 2014, ISRO became the fourth space agency globally to successfully reach Mars orbit, following Russia, the United States, and Europe. Impressively, India became the first country to achieve this feat in its inaugural attempt, demonstrating both technological prowess and cost-effectiveness in space exploration.
Mangalyaan
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill (2013):
Anti-corruption Movements (2011):
Committee Formation and Protests:
Lokpal Bill Developments:
Formation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:
During the April-May 2014 general elections, the positive achievements of the UPA's second term were overshadowed by lingering corruption allegations. The rural sector faced significant challenges, with a surge in farmer suicides attributed to factors such as indebtedness, crop failure, drought, and socio-economic issues. Despite a Rs 70,000 crore loan waiver in 2008, farmer distress persisted. Widespread dissatisfaction prevailed among the common people due to issues like price rise, unemployment, and perceived policy paralysis, hindering development and stalling progressive economic ideas.
Presidential Style Campaign:
Leadership Projections:
Election Dynamics:
Changing Electorate:
Election Outcome:
Prime minister Narendra Modi
1. What is the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and when did it govern India? | ![]() |
2. What were the key achievements of the UPA during its first term from 2004 to 2009? | ![]() |
3. What were the outcomes of the 2009 General Elections in India? | ![]() |
4. What led to the UPA's defeat in the 2014 General Elections? | ![]() |
5. Can you provide examples of other key policies or initiatives implemented by the UPA during its tenure? | ![]() |