ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS GUIDE (2015-2016) B.P.S.E.-212 Government and Politics in India Disclaimer/Special Note: These are just the sample of the Answers/Solutions to some of the Questions given in the Assignments. These Sample Answers/Solutions are prepared by Private Teacher/Tutors/Authors for the help and guidance of the student to get an idea of how he/she can answer the Questions given the Assignments. We do not claim 100% accuracy of these sample answers as these are based on the knowledge and capability of Private Teacher/Tutor. Sample answers may be seen as the Guide/Help for the reference to prepare the answers of the Questions given in the assignment. As these solutions and answers are prepared by the private teacher/tutor so the chances of error or mistake cannot be denied. Any Omission or Error is highly regretted though every care has been taken while preparing these Sample Answers/ Solutions. Please consult your own Teacher/Tutor before you prepare a Particular Answer and for up-to-date and exact information, data and solution. Student should must read and refer the official study material provided by the university. N Answer questions in each category. Write the answers in your own words. SECTION I A) DCQ: Answer any two of the following in about 500 words each. Q. 2. Write an essay on the ideology and social base of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Ans. The Bharatiya Janata Party The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formally launched as an independent political organisation in 1980 after the split of the Janata Party on the RSS issue. The BJP is a recognition of the Jana Sangh and the Hindu nationalist party. In 1984 election BJP had only two seats. In 1989 election BJP had increased percentage and obtained 88 seats. This was the great electoral victory. In 1991 elections BJP obtained 120 seats. In 1996 election Lok Sabha elections the BJP emerged as the single largest party and secured 162 seats. The President invited Atal Bihari Vajpayee of BJP to form Government. The Vajpayee Ministry lasted for 13 days and he was forced to resign on May 28th, 1996 because it fails to prove its majority. In 1998 Lok Sabha election the BJP made strategic alliance with regional parties and secured 180 seats.the BJP formed the Government, but the Government did not last long. In 1999 election the BJP contested this election as coalition with the National Democratic Alliance. The Ideology The Bhartiya Janata Party believes in Gandhian socialism. It stands for positive secularism and clean Government. While laying emphasis on the Hindu idiom in its poll manifesto, the party stands for justice of all and accepted the principle on caste basis. Party promises for 33 per cent reservation of seats in Parliament and state legislatures for women. It stress an ideal of nationalism based on Hindutva and also emphasis on Swadeshi to encourage Indian industry and production as against foreign companies. Party desires to abolish Article 370 and favours smaller and stronger states. It also favours uniform civil code and would like to establish Human Rights Commission. In 1993, while addressing the confederation of Indian industries, L.K. Advani said that if the BJP came to power the basic direction of the economic policy would remain unchanged. In 1999 at its Chennai meeting the BJP gave clear indication of leaving behind the agenda of aggressive Hinduism and Swadeshi. The Social Base The BJP has points of continuity with the Jana Sangha it has enjoyed support from the Hindi speaking states of North India or remained essentially a party of the urban educated Hindu middle classes professionals, small businessmen and white-collar workers. BJP s traditional support base was among upper castes, small and medium traders and shopkeepers. It also gets votes from the Sikhs. In 1990 s onwards its base has broadened in rural and urban areas and among the larger numbers of social groups. 2
Political parties and the party system in India have been greatly influenced by cultural diversity, social, ethnic, caste and community, religious pluralism, traditions of the nationalist movement, contrasting style of party leadership and clashing ideological perspectives. The emergence of regional parties in India had great impact on Indian politics. The regional parties enters in bargaining and alliance with national parties in order to support them to form the Government and raise the voice of state autonomy. Hence, we can say that political parties play crucial role in the functioning of Indian democracy. If there is the absence of political parties than democratic cannot work its function. Political parties acts as the mediator between people and Government. Political parties sits in the opposition and expose the weaknesses of the ruling party do work democratic institution in a better way. Political parties sits in opposition when it fails to form Government. Q. 4. Discuss the nature of relationship between crime and politics in India. Ans. The relationship between crime and politics can be explained with the expression of criminalisation of politics. It means direct entry of criminals into the political parties and legislatures, including Parliament. It also means the use of criminal methods and tactics to influence political processes and procedures. Rajni Kothari realised that criminalisation has taken place in the process of the transformation of Indian politics from an organic and vibrant entity. The criminalisation could be seen as according to Kothari (1) The use of gangsterism has come in place of party organisation (2) Complete permeation of the state by money power. Power was being used for their own selfish purpose than working good for the common people. During the period of 70s and 80s Indian politics went down. The politicians were no longer working for the needs and aspirations of the people. At the local level local mafias supported by higher sector of the Indian economy exist. In 1993 a committee was set up by the Government of India and headed by the Home Secretary, N.N. Vohra. The purpose of the committee was to collect all the information about the activities of crime syndicate mafia organisations who had made links with government organisation. The committee submitted its report in October, 1993. It reported that the existence of crime syndicates spread all over India and their nexus with the police, bureaucracy and politician has been existed. Criminal justice system was inadequate in dealing with Mafia. In the Lok Sabha election of 1998 Justice like Madhav Godbole, Swami Agnivesh, C. Subramaniam has identified that seventytwo candidates of Lok Sabha had faced serious criminal cases. It was noticed that majority of criminals enter the electoral process through the medium of national and state parties. Ethics, morality and transparency are the principles of politics which are kept behind. Infusion of criminality and gangsterism has taken place in politics. Violating the rights of people and governmental corruption had been increased. Governmental corru-ption pertains the misappropriation and misdirection of public resources. For the last few years Indian politics are facing concepts of scams and scandals. Politicians and bureaucrats who are busy to solve their purpose and ignoring the basic need of the common people are violating the universal human rights pertaining to food, shelter and self-determination and life. SECTION-II B) MCQ: Answer any four of the following in about 250 words each. Q. 5. Enumerate the factors which led to the emergence of new classes during the Colonial rule in India. Ans. Factors leading to Emergence of New Classes: There were various factors responsible the emergence of new classes. New land relation, commercial exploitation by the capitalists world, introduction of a new administrative arrangement, modern education and industries establishment were largely responsible for the emergence of new classes. Creation of private property in land by the permanent and Ryotwari settlements this was responsible to the emergence of the Zamindars and peasant proprietors. Class of tenants and sub-tenants emerged with the creation of the right to lease land. The right to employ labourers to work on land created classes of absentee landlord and agricultural labour. There was also the emergence of moneylenders. Under the colonial states industrial and agricultural became the market. There were import and exports of goods outside and inside India. This lead the emergence of new class, these people were called the merchants. The rise of CRIME AND POLITICS N 3
textiles, mining and other industries owned by Indians led the native capitalist class. The colonial states introduced new social, economic system in which they needed professionals in field of law, technologies, medicines, economics, etc. So education system was introduced. People who studied medicine went in Government hospitals and medical colleges. Professional class was absent in the pre-british India. Q. 6. Explain how the Indian constitution has sought to balance individual and community rights. Ans. The Constitution sought to balance individual and community rights by giving provisions for the protection of rights of the individuals and of the specific religious and cultural communities. Citizenship and Rights in the Indian Constitution The enforcement of the Constitution on 26th January, 1950 change the status of individuals of India. They were no longer the British subjects, but they are citizens of the Republic of India. They have derived their status from the Constitution. Constitution guarantees to all the citizens of India, justice, equality, liberty and fraternity (it is clear in the Preamble). Who are the Citizens of India? Articles 5 to 11 Part II of the Constitution deals with citizenship of India. When the Constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950 provisions of citizenship became effective from that date. Constitution made it clear the distinction between citizens of India and non-citizens (alien). Citizen enjoys certain rights and perform some duties towards the nation. Under Narticles 5 to 8 the Constitution describes only that person can become the citizen of India: (1) those domiciled and born in India. (2) those domiciled not born in India but either of whose parents was born in India. (3) those domiciled, not born in India but ordinarily resident in India for more than five years. (4) those resident in India, who migrated to Pakistan after 1st March, 1947 and returned later on resettlement permits. (5) those resident in Pakistan who migrated to India before 19th July 1948. (6) those whose parents and grandparents were born in India, but were residing outside India. Article 11 of the Constitution pertains the acquisition and termination of the citizenship. India has single citizenship. Indian citizen loses her/his citizenship if he/she acquires the citizenship of another country. Recognition of Community in India s Citizenship Nineteenth century was largely a system or rights and obligations and defined the relationship between nationstates and their individual members. It defines the equality and freedom. Equality defines equal status or sameness. Freedom is to pursue individual aims where social difference have been neglected. India has different religious and caste system. The difference in the organisation of the social structure was sought by colonisers who subjugated the colonised population to imperial rule. The Fundamental Rights embodied in Part III of the Constitution guarantees to each citizen basic substantive and procedural protection against the state. Constitution exists two types of rights, one for the individual citizen Article 14 to 24 confers the citizens various rights of equality and freedom. Another for the community Articles 25 to 30 confers the specific needs of religious cultural communities. Article 14 of the Constitution provides that the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Article 15 of the Constitution provides the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religious, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. A citizen cannot be denied access to shops, public restaurants or the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of state funds or dedicated to the use of the general public. Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. The state is prohibited from showing any discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, caste, race, sex, descent, place of birth or residence. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and its practice in any form is made an offence punishable under the law. Article 25 enacts that all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion. Article 26 is a corollary to Article 25 and guarantees the freedom to manage religious affairs. Article 27 provides additional protection to religious activity. 4
A significant factor is the scope given to the Indian state is to regulate and reform. Constitution has introduced a differentiated citizenship to assure the communities which had been victims of social discrimination in the past, were able to compete on equal terms with the rest of society. Thus there was assurance of equality among the communities. The notion of social equality and caste communities were compensated for past discrimination. The equality was assured to them by giving special privileges to overcome circumstantial disabilities. Q. 8. Discuss the feature of Dalit movement during the 1990s. Ans. Phase III (1990 s onwards) Kanshi Ram mobilised Dalits under two organisations: (a) BAMCEF (b) DSU. The formation of BSP Kanshi Ram changed the social and cultural organisation into a political party. The BSP exclude the high castes such as Rajputs, Baniyas and Brahmins,it aimed to mobilise majority sections which were consisted of Dalits and backward people. The BSP was of the view the minority high class was using the votes of the majority communities or the Bahujan Samaj (Dalits, backward class, religious minority). Bahujan Samaj would no longer be used as vote banks, it should had leadership or be the rules. With this view BSP contested the elections in various parts of the country. BSP was able to retain Nits position among Dalits due to electoral alliances and the public policies. BSP made first alliance with Mulayam Singh Yadav and continued till the BSP withdrew support from the Mulayam Singh Yadav. BSP had made alliances with the major political formulations like Congress, the BJP and the Samajwadi Party in UP or the Akali Dal and Congress in Punjab. Mayawati became the first Minister woman of Dalit. Mayawati declared that her party serve the Sarva Samaj (shifted from Bahujan Samaj). It started to give the tickets to higher castes such as Rajputs, Banias and Kayasthas: gave them the representation as minister into her government. Special policies for Dalits had been introduced by Mayawati such as Ambedkar village programmes, naming the public institutions after the low caste historical personalities. BSP led coalition governments in UP in 2002 UP assembly election it was noted maximum numbers of MLA s belongs to the higher castes. These high castes candidates were given tickets by the BSP. Thus we can say BSP could not maintain the unity of the Bahujan Samaj, because of the electoral strategy of the BSP. Q. 10. Identify the main features of tribal movements in India djring 1920-1943. Ans. The word tribe was introduced in the 19th century. It is a colonial concept by colonial authorities. Later on it was described as primitive group. Our Constitution of India does not give the definition of tribe. Scheduled tribe could be recognised as the group of people living in forests and on hills, they had criteria of backwardness and remoteness and are called the adivasis. Tribals to fulfil their demands launched several social and political movements. Tribals due to their exploitation agitated during the colonial and post- colonial period. Tribals went against Zamindars, moneylenders, Britishers, etc. The main aim of their movements were end of taxation, gaining equality, end of exploitation, social reform, tribal raj, etc. The leadership of the social reform movement was provided by the outsiders, for example Gandhian workers, Motilal Tejawat. The Third Phase (1920-1947) There were three trends in tribal movements in the third phase: (a) The first trend includes the impact of the Indian National Movement and the participation of the tribals in it. (b) The second trend was land and forest revival and reform of tribal society. (c) Third trend includes movements demanding autonomy, statehood, separation and independence led by the tribal middle class. One of the Bhagat movements was the Tanabhagat movement. It started as nativistic movement. Tribes accepted the nationalist programme. They fought for economic and cultural exploitation. According to them Swaraj meant freedom from British rule, moneylenders, Zamindars and feudal lords. Praja Mndals launched movements by mobilising the tribals against the feudal. Bhils, Gonds, Mundas, Khurwars etc. 5
participated in the movement. These people were suppressed either by Britishers or feudal lords or moneylenders etc. The Seng Khasi organisation was formed in 1889. This was socio-cultural organisation and it had tried to strengthen the ancient system of clan relationship. The second was the Zeliagrong Movement. It tried to establish linkages with the national freedom struggle. It demanded separate administrative unit and self- autonomy. SECTION III C) SCQ: Write short notes on any two of the following in about 50 words each. Q. 13. The Election Commission of India. Ans.To ensure free, fair and impartial elections, the Constitution establishes the Election Commission, a body autonomous in character and free from political and executive influence. The commission is an all-india body having jurisdiction over elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, offices of the President and Vice-President. The reason for having an all-india body to supervise and conduct elections is that some states have a mixed population and are racially, linguistically or culturally different from the native people. In order to prevent injustice being done to any section of the people, it was thought to have one free body which would be free from local influences and control the entire machinery. The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of election commissioners, if any, as Nthe President may fix from time to time. The Chief Election Commissioner stands at the apex of the hierarchy of the election commission of India. Commissioners are appointed by the President at the behest of the Prime Minister. The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the chairman of the election commission in case any other election commissioner besides him is appointed. There is one chief electoral officer in each state, who is incharge of conducting the elections in the state. Q. 14. Meaningd of secularism Ans. Secularism is the part of new ideas in the West. Modern western secularism was the result, for search of religious wars, it was that the need to separate the domain of the state from the Church. Secularism ensures a strong sense of identification like family, race, religion and class. Secularism has its origin from western countries and relates to the separation of the Church from the state, giving the state a position of neutrality between different religions at the same time guaranteeing all citizens the right to profess any one of them. Secular is used as a contrast with the word Religious. Sometimes people believed that secularism is opposed to religion but it is used as religion having nothing to do with the conduct of state affairs. Secularism is adopted in India to promote inter- communal solidarity and to protect ordinary life in India. Because of secularism Indian states attempts child marriage as illegal and permits Dalits into the temple. Indian secularism critics said that the Indian Constitution intervene in Hinduism and some of its oppressive social practice which goes against the norms of a secular state. 6