Participatory upsurge in the 1990s

The essentials

The early decades of Indian democracy saw high participation by educated and upper-caste groups, while many disadvantaged groups voted but had limited influence on leadership. From the late 1980s and especially in the 1990s, studies showed a rise in political participation by Dalits, Adivasis, backward castes, rural voters and the poor. Some political scientists have called this a “second democratic upsurge”, following the first upsurge of the early decades.

Key points

• The decline of the Congress opened space for parties that claimed to represent particular social groups and regions.
• The decision of 1990 to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations for OBC reservations brought caste-based mobilisation to the centre of national politics.
• New leaders from backward and Dalit communities rose to prominence, especially in north Indian states.
• Regional parties became partners in central governments, giving regions a stronger voice in national policy.
• Despite intense competition, a broad consensus developed among major parties on four points: acceptance of new economic policies, acceptance of the political and social claims of backward castes, acceptance of the role of state-level parties in national governance, and an emphasis on pragmatic considerations over ideology in forming alliances.
• Higher participation by marginalised groups is widely seen as a sign that democracy was deepening, although it also brought new challenges such as unstable coalitions.

Exam tips

• Learn the four elements of the new consensus; they are often asked as “Which of these is NOT part of…”.
• Link the participatory upsurge with the decline of the Congress and the Mandal decision.

Common mistakes

• Thinking participation rose only among urban, educated voters; the change was most marked among disadvantaged groups.
• Treating coalition politics as a sign that democracy was failing; it reflected wider representation.