Identify the Leader number 5 in the given cartoon:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → L.K. Advani
The leader marked 5 carries the label ‘Rath Yatra’. In 1990 the BJP, in order to generate public support, took out a massive march called the Rathyatra from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in UP. The march was led by L.K. Advani, whom the caption of this cartoon names among the riders of the roller coaster.
Note: This question is partly outside the NCERT books: they name the riders of this cartoon – Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh, L.K. Advani and others – but do not number them, and none of them – the pre-rationalised, 2023-24, 2025-26 or 2026-27 edition – says that L.K. Advani led the Rathyatra. The pre-rationalised and 2023-24 books say only that the BJP took out the Rathyatra; the 2025-26 and 2026-27 books leave it out. It is explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2026-27): Politics in India since Independence — Chapter 8: Recent Developments in Indian Politics
Cartoon on the opening page of the chapter ‘Recent Developments in Indian Politics’: the placard RATH YATRA (outlined)
Its caption: riding the roller coaster are Rajiv Gandhi, V. P. Singh, L. K. Advani … NCERT (Pre-rationalised): “Ayodhya dispute … The BJP made this issue its major electoral and political plank. Along with many other organisations like the RSS and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), it convened a series of symbolic and mobilisational programmes. This large scale mobilisation led to surcharged atmosphere and many instances of communal violence. The BJP, in order to generate public support, took out a massive march called the Rathyatra from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in UP.” |
