Which is not part of the consensus among most political parties after…

The correct answer is Option (2) → No reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment.

Option (1) Recognition of the need to accept social and political claims of backward castes. Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is its second element.

Option (2) No reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment. Not part of the consensus (Correct). It is the reverse: all political parties now support reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment.

Option (3) Acceptance of the role of State level parties in national governance. Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is its third element.

Option (4) Pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions. Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is its fourth element.