Which among the following was part of the growing consensus among mos…

The correct answer is Option (4) → Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements.

Option (1) Most parties believe that new economic policies will deepen poverty and inequalities. — Incorrect. Most parties support the new economic policies and believe they would lead the country to prosperity.

Option (2) They believe that the political and social claims of the backward castes need to be reviewed ... — Incorrect. Parties have recognised that these claims need to be accepted; all of them now support reservation for the ‘backward classes’. ‘Affirmative action’ means special measures, such as reservation of seats in education and jobs, taken to help disadvantaged groups catch up; far from calling such policies redundant, the parties support them.

Option (3) They believe the distinction between state level and national level parties is becoming more important ... — Incorrect. The distinction is fast becoming less important, as State level parties share power at the national level.

Option (4) Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. — Correct. This is the fourth element of the consensus: pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions.

Note: The concept in Option (2), ‘affirmative action’, is not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.