A cacaphony of states

Article Abstract:

India has held general elections in Sep and Oct 1999 which have led to a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) alliance. There is faith in democracy and in the power of voting, especially among Dalits, or former untouchables and among the rural population. Two key issues in the elections were whether state governments were popular, and caste, and the BJP was able to exploit these issues. The BJP has been able to forge local alliances and the links between these alliances and state government have been important.

Political parties

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The Sonia boom

Article Abstract:

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has performed poorly in Indian elections in four states, and this is linked to high prices for staples such as onions. Congress has performed well, and Sonia Gandhi appears willing to wait until the coalition government collapses on its own. Congress would need allies in order to rule, but would probably be the largest party if elections were held. The government is limited in its actions and cannot, for example, try economic populism due to a rise in the budget deficit.

India, Gandhi, Sonia

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Can the second Mrs Gandhi govern India?

Article Abstract:

The Indian coalition government has fallen, and Congress, which has 140 seats in India's lower house, with a total of 545 seats, aims to set up a minority government. Congress seeks to rule alone, though the backers want to participate in power. Sonia Gandhi could become prime minister if Congress rules alone. She was born in Italy and is a widow whose former husband was Rajiv Gandhi who was prime minister and was assassinated in 1991. She became the party's leader in 1998.

Political aspects

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