The context of the 1990s

Around 1989, five big developments changed Indian politics for the next generation:

1. The end of the 'Congress system'. In 1984, after Indira Gandhi's assassination, the Congress under Rajiv Gandhi won a record 415 seats. In 1989 it fell to 197, short of a majority. The long era of one-party dominance was over; elections became truly competitive.

2. The 'Mandal issue'. In 1990, the National Front government decided to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendation of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government jobs. It set off fierce protests and counter-protests, and made caste a central issue in politics.

3. New economic policies. Changes in economic policy, often called structural adjustment or new economic reforms, had begun under Rajiv Gandhi, and became clearly visible in 1991, when India opened its economy to the world. Every government since has continued them.

4. Ayodhya. The dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya became a mass political movement, changing the debate about secularism and religion in politics. It was finally decided by the Supreme Court on 9 November 2019.

5. A new leadership. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in May 1991 during the election campaign. The Congress formed the government, and P.V. Narasimha Rao became Prime Minister.

Together these changes opened a new era: of coalitions, of backward-caste politics, of religious identity in politics, and of economic reform.