Class 12 Political Science - TAMILNADU
Recent Developments in Indian Politics
The chapter 'Recent Developments in Indian Politics' explores the major shifts and transformations in India's political landscape since the late 1980s. It covers the end of the Congress system and the rise of coalition politics, the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations and the rise of backward classes, the growth of communal politics centering around the Ayodhya dispute and the Hindutva movement, and the emergence of a new consensus among political parties on economic reforms and social welfare. This chapter is vital for Class 12 Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi board exams as it helps students understand contemporary Indian democracy, governance, and societal dynamics.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Era of Coalition Governments
A period beginning in 1989 where no single political party won a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, forcing parties to form alliances and coalitions to form the central government.
Mandal Commission and Reservations
The implementation of the Second Backward Classes Commission report in 1990, which recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government jobs, reshaping social justice politics.
Rise of Communal Politics and Ayodhya Dispute
Events surrounding the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 and the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) based on Hindutva ideology, altering secularism debates.
New Economic Policy (1991)
The shift towards Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation (LPG) introduced by the Narasimha Rao government, creating a broad economic consensus among major political parties.
Emergence of Regional Parties
The growing political clout of state-level and regional parties like DMK, AIADMK, TDP, and TMC, making them crucial kingmakers in national coalition governments.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 12 Political Science board exam, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions frequently appear as 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark/3-mark short answers on key terms like Mandal Commission or Coalition Politics, and 5-mark detailed essays on the major shifts in Indian politics since 1989.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the end of the Congress system in Indian politics?
The Congress system declined due to inner-party conflicts, allegations of corruption, the rise of regional aspirations, and the emergence of strong opposition parties representing diverse social groups like OBCs and Dalits, culminating in the 1989 elections.
What is meant by the 'New Consensus' in Indian politics?
The New Consensus refers to the agreement among major political parties on key issues, particularly the acceptance of economic reforms (LPG) and the recognition of the political rights of backward classes, regardless of which coalition is in power.
Why are regional parties important in coalition governments?
Regional parties represent local and state-specific demands. In a coalition era where national parties fail to win a majority alone, regional parties provide vital numerical support, giving them bargaining power and a major role in national policymaking.
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