NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 – Recent Developments in Indian Politics

EXERCISES

1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni and arrange the file chronologically.
   • (a) Implementation of the recommendation of the Mandal Commission
   • (b) Formation of the Janata Dal
   • (c) Supreme court Judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi
   • (d) Assassination of Indira Gandhi
   • (e) The formation of NDA government
   • (f) Formation of the UPA government

   Answer:

   • (d) Assassination of Indira Gandhi (1984)
   • (b) Formation of the Janata Dal (1988)
   • (a) Implementation of the recommendation of the Mandal Commission (1990)
   • (e) The formation of NDA government (1999)
   • (f) Formation of the UPA government (2004)
   • (c) Supreme court Judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi (2019)
2. Match the following.
   • (a) Politics of Consensus i. Shah Bano case
   • (b) Caste based parties ii. Rise of OBCs
   • (c) Personal Law and Gender Justice iii. Coalition government
   • (d) Growing strength of Regional parties iv. Agreement on Economic policies

   Answer:

   Questions	Answer
   (a) Politics of Consensus	(iv) Agreement on Economic policies
   (b) Caste based parties	(ii) Rise of OBCs
   (c) Personal Law and Gender Justice	(i) Shah Bano case
   (d) Growing strength of Regional parties	(iii) Coalition government

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

   Answer: The main issues after 1989 include the decline of Congress dominance, rise of coalition governments, implementation of Mandal Commission, the Ayodhya movement, emergence of regional and caste-based parties, and adoption of economic reforms. These led to multi-party alliances, frequent formation of coalition governments, and a significant role for regional parties in national politics.

   
   
4. “In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or re-aligning on the basis of ideology.” What arguments would you put forward to support or oppose this statement?

   Answer: Support: Many alliances are made for the sake of forming governments rather than on ideological similarity, as seen in various coalitions. Oppose: Some parties still refuse support based on ideological grounds. However, pragmatic power sharing and winning elections have become more important than strict ideology.

   
   
5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.

   Answer: After the Janata Party split, BJP was formed in 1980. It initially followed Gandhian Socialism but later shifted to cultural nationalism and Hindutva issues like Ayodhya. The party’s political influence grew steadily from the 1980s, and by the late 1990s it formed and led the NDA government. The BJP secured majority on its own in 2014 and 2019 with widespread national support.

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

   Answer: Yes, the Congress continues to influence Indian politics. It remains a principal opposition party, shapes government policies through alliances, provides national-level leadership, and played a key role in UPA governments. Its decisions and positions still impact political discourse and electoral strategies.

   
   
7. Many people think that a two-party system is required for successful democracy. Drawing from India’s experience of last 30 years, write an essay on what advantages the present party system in India has.

   Answer: India’s multi-party system allows the representation of diverse interests—regions, castes, religions, and languages—in Parliament. It encourages coalition governments that necessitate consensus and negotiation. This inclusiveness deepens democracy, prevents domination by a single party, and reflects India’s plural culture, making the democracy more participatory and responsive to people's needs.

   
   
8. Read the passage and answer the questions below:
   

   Party politics in India has confronted numerous challenges. Not only has the Congress system destroyed itself, but the fragmentation of the Congress coalition has triggered a new emphasis on self-representation which raises questions about the party system and its capacity to accommodate diverse interests, .... . An important test facing the polity is to evolve a party system or political parties that can effectively articulate and aggregate a variety of interests. — Zoya Hasan

   1. Write a short note on what the author calls challenges of the party system in the light of what you have read in this chapter.

      Answer: Major challenges include fragmentation of the Congress-led alliance, rise of self-representation by different groups (regions, castes), and difficulties in aggregating and accommodating diverse interests in a rapidly changing political scenario marked by coalitions and competition.

      
      
   2. Give an example from this chapter of the lack of accommodation and aggregation mentioned in this passage.

      Answer: The sharp divide between Dalit and OBC parties (such as BSP and various OBC-based parties) in UP, where instead of coming together, they developed in competition with each other, exemplifies the lack of aggregation and accommodation.

      
      
   3. Why is it necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests?

      Answer: Parties must accommodate and aggregate varied interests to ensure inclusive governance, social harmony, and democratic stability. This enables representation for all sections, addresses grievances, strengthens unity, and fosters collective national progress.

      
      

Recent Developments in Indian Politics – Key Highlights and Study Tips

Mastering Recent Developments in Indian Politics from the NCERT Class 12 Political Science syllabus is crucial for board exams. By understanding coalition politics, Mandalisation, and shifts like the rise of BJP and regional parties, you’ll improve your analytical and answer-writing skills.

Use the chapter-wise NCERT solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 to revise systematically. Focus on explaining key movements and major government changes. Practicing these topics ensures conceptual clarity while preparing for the exam and enhances your overall performance.

For better retention, break down complex events like the Mandal Commission implementation and evolution of coalition governments into timelines and points. Make short notes for quick revision and review previous years’ trends to excel in board examinations.