Describe the major developments that have …

(i) End of Congress system- The defeat of the Congress Party in the election of 1989 marked the end of Congress dominance over the Indian party system. It could win only 197 seats in Lok Sabha.

(ii) Rise of Mandal Issue-The Mandal Issue started with the National Front Government’s decision to implement the recommendation of Mandal Commission that jobs in the Central government should be reserved for OBCs. This led to violent anti Mandal protests in different parts of the county.

(iii) New Economic Policy-This is known as the initiation of the structural adjustment programmes. Started by Rajiv Gandhi, these changes first become visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since independence .

(iv) Demolition of Babri Masjid or Ayodhya dispute- Ayodhya dispute started with the demolition of the disputed structure of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in December 1992. This event symbolished and triggered various changes in politics of the country and intensified debate about the nature of Indian nationalism and secularism.

(v) Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi-The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to change in the leadership of the Congress. In the election of 1991, Congress emerged as the single largest party. The party chose P.V. Narsimha Raoas the Prime Minister of India .