When did the BJP finally come to power by leading a 'coalition government'?
1) 1996 to 1997
2) 1998 to 1999
3) 1999 to 2000
4) 2000 to 2001

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

2

In 1996, the Left Front maintained its support for the non-Congress government, while the Congress also backed this government. Both parties shared the goal of preventing the BJP from gaining power. However, their efforts were short-lived, as the BJP managed to strengthen its position in the 1991 and 1996 elections. In the latter, the BJP emerged as the largest party and was subsequently invited to form the government. Despite this, the BJP's policies faced strong opposition from many other parties, leading to the party failing to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Subsequently, the BJP's journey to power was marked by challenges. It eventually achieved governance by leading a coalition government from May 1998 to June 1999, followed by re-election in October 1999. During both these terms, Atal Behari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister. His leadership persisted throughout the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments, including the one formed in 1999, which successfully completed its full term.