The following were the important developments which influenced Indian politics greatly in the decade of 1990s.
1. Decline or End of Congressism:- The most important development of this period was the defeat of the Congress party in the 1989 elections. The Congress party was reduced to only 197 seats. The Congress improved its performance and came back to power after the mid-term elections of1991. But the elections of 1989 marked the end of ‘Congress system’. Congress remained as major party but it lost its dominance it enjoyed earlier.
2. The Mandal Issue:- Another significant development was the rise of the Mandal issue. In 1990 VP Singh Government’s decision to implement the recommendation of Mandal commission for OBCs led to the violent anti-Mandal protests in different parts of the country. It played a major role in Indian politics since 1990.
3. New Economic Policy:- During this period India radically changed its economic direction by linking indian economy to the Global market and followed the policy of Liberalisation, Privatization and Globalisation (LPG). It is also known as the Structural Adjustment Programme or the New Economic Reforms. These changes first became very visible in 1991. The various governments that came to power in this period have continued to follow these.
4. Babri Masjid Issue or Ayodhya Issue:- A number of events culminated in the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya (known as Babri Masjid) on 6th December 1992. This event symbolised and triggered various changes in the politics of the country and intensified debates about the nature of Indian nationalism and secularism.
5. The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi:- The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to a change in leadership of the Congress Party. Following Rajiv Gandhi’s death, the party chose Narshimha Rao as the Prime Minister.
6. The Emergence of BJP
7. The left extremist violence in many states of India.