What kind of consensus about development …

Elements of growing consensus

(i) Agreement on new economic policies : Most parties were in support of the new economic policies and believed that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.

(ii) Acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes : Political parties had recognized that the social and political claims of the Backward Castes need to be accepted and support reservation of seats for OBC in education and employment.

(iii) Acceptance of the role of State level parties in governance of the country: State level parties were sharing power at the national level and had played a central role in the country's politics.

(iv) Emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement as most parties of the NDA did not agree with the 'Hindutava' ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a government and remained in power for a full term.