Emergence of a new consensus
Also called: New consensus · Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 8 "Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Meaning
The "emergence of a new consensus" is NCERT's term for the points most parties came to agree on after 1989, despite fierce competition. A consensus is broad agreement. There are four points:
- Support for the new economic policies of 1991.
- Acceptance of backward-caste claims, including OBC reservation and a fair share of power for OBCs.
- A role for state parties in governing at the Centre.
- Pragmatism over ideology: parties form alliances to share power even when their beliefs differ.
Example
Many groups criticised the 1991 reforms, yet every government after 1991 continued them. Most NDA partners rejected Hindutva, yet they governed with the BJP for a full term from 1999 to 2004. To keep them on board, the BJP set aside issues such as the temple, Art. 370 and a uniform civil code.
Don't confuse with
- Congress system: This was the earlier pattern in which one party, the Congress, dominated politics and held many interests inside itself. The new consensus is agreement among many competing parties.