The growing consensus in Indian politics between 2004-2019 does not include-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The distinction between State level and national level parties is becoming more important.
Option (1) Agreement among most parties that new economic policies would lead to status of economic power in the world. — Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is the first element: most parties believe these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
Option (2) Support for reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment. — Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is the second element, the acceptance of the social and political claims of the backward castes.
Option (3) The distinction between State level and national level parties is becoming more important. — Not part of the consensus (Correct). The third element is the acceptance of the role of State level parties: the distinction between State level and national level parties is fast becoming less important, not more important, as State level parties now share power at the national level.
Option (4) Shift in the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. — Part of the consensus (Incorrect). This is the fourth element: coalition politics has shifted the focus of parties from ideology to power sharing.
NCERT (2025-26): “Growing consensus … However, on many crucial issues, a broad agreement has emerged among most parties. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties. This consensus consists of four elements. First, agreement on new economic policies – while many groups are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. Second, acceptance of the political and social claims of the backward castes – political parties have recognised that the social and political claims of the backward castes need to be accepted. As a result, all political parties now support reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment. Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs get adequate share of power. Third, acceptance of the role of State level parties in governance of the country – the distinction between State level and national level parties is fast becoming less important. As we saw in this chapter, State level parties are sharing power at the national level and have played a central role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or so. Fourth, emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement – coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a government and remained in power for a full term.” |