National Front
Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 8 "Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Meaning
The National Front was an alliance formed in 1988. It brought together the Janata Dal and regional parties such as the TDP, DMK and AGP. After the hung 1989 election it formed the central government under V.P. Singh (December 1989 to November 1990). The BJP and the Left Front, two opposite groups, both supported it from outside without joining the cabinet. Both simply wanted the Congress out of power.
Example
The National Front government decided to implement the Mandal Commission report. It gave OBCs 27% of central government jobs (13 August 1990). It fell after the BJP withdrew support when L.K. Advani was arrested during his Rath Yatra (October 1990).
Don't confuse with
- United Front (1996-98): this was also led by the Janata Dal, but the Congress supported it from outside to keep the BJP out. That was the reverse of 1989.