India today
Narasimha Rao, although he is not a politician of great format, he has shown great ability to stay in power and counter the opposition's frequent virulent accusations, especially on the Bofor affair. Nevertheless, he supported the earlier aspirations of Rajiva Gandhi, to enter the country (with great hesitation) in the economic changes of the years 90., resulting from the collapse of the USSR, who was an ally of India for many years. For a long time, India remained outside the boundaries of the customs barriers, and the official exchange rate had little to do with reality. W 1992 r. The Minister of Finance partially equalized the exchange rate of the rupee against convertible currencies and legalized the import of gold by foreigners, which contributed to economic development. He also announced increases in unprofitable industries, subsidized by the state, like for example. on the railroad. Undoubtedly, this decision did not make him popular with low-paid commuters, on the other hand, the black market and corruption have become less profitable. The government undertook diplomatic activities aimed at improving relations with Western countries. Rao has inherited many unsolved problems from his predecessors, which his government had to deal with. Elections were held in Punjab under difficult conditions, which allowed Congress (I) keep the appearance of power. They were boycotted by opposition Sikh parties, and militants in Khalistan threatened to shoot every voter. Despite the low turnout, the government gained confidence. In the early years 90. demonstrations took place in Kashmir on both sides of the demarcation line, and more and more JKLF fighters appeared in the valley itself (Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front). Undoubtedly, Pakistan had its share in the purchase and supply of weapons for those fighting on the Indian side of the "border" (which of course has been tampered with). At the same time, everything points to it, that the overzealousness of the Indian army had contributed to the intensification of fighting in the region. Mutual suspicions resulted, that in the beginning 1992 r. India and Pakistan faced war. It was prevented thanks to the meeting of the leaders of these countries in Switzerland, while Pakistani intervention prevented Kashmiri radicals from crossing the demarcation line. Pakistanis continue to support Kashmiri militants, both on this side of the border (called Azad Kashmir), and in the valley itself. At the beginning 1992 r. Kashmiri separatists demanded independence from India and Pakistan. Neither country has complied with this request, but bearing in mind the events in the former USSR, Yugoslavia or Afghanistan, a lot can still happen here. Another problem, Rao's government is struggling, there is a prolonged conflict taking place in states in the Northeast Province. For many years they have been there – especially Nagaland and Assam – under the control of the government, although there were periods, when they functioned independently. Currently, the greatest threat to the government is the Assam United Liberation Front (ULFA), who makes accusations of exploiting the region's natural resources (especially crude oil), while neglecting its development. For many years, armed troops restricted the movements of government troops, until the massive action ("Operation Rhino") w 1992 r. forced the Front leaders to start peace talks. However, they did not bring any result, the conflict continues and does not seem to be about to end. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh became another source of unrest in the Northwest Border Province. Student organizations and Congress leader (I) They are demanding the expulsion of Bangladeshi immigrants from the country.
Thirty years ago, these people had to leave their former homes as a result of building a hydroelectric power plant, and the government of Assam allowed them to settle in these areas (then Arunachal Pradesh was part of Assam, which was known as the Northeast Frontier Province). Separate tendencies also appeared in Bihar and West Bengal (Jharkand”), in Darjilingu, West Bengal (“Gorkhaland”) and most recently in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh („Uttarakhand”), where in 1994 r. there were clashes between demonstrators and the police. The conflicts in Bihar are also related to the system of zamindars introduced by the British. It could have been convenient and effective at the time (although unfair and based on exploitation) method of tax collection and a measure to maintain "power and order", but later turned into something, what can be described as the Indian mafia. Almost all politicians, policemen and officials do not refuse bribes, sometimes there are also murders. Everyone, who would dare to oppose this pact, would be in serious trouble. Despite the fact that this situation has been going on for several years, the government never took the problem seriously. In Uttar Pradesh, many conflicts were caused by decisions taken from above to employ people from low social classes in offices.. Another obstacle for Rao's government are religious conflicts between different faiths, especially between Muslims and Hindus. The source of the dispute is the city of Ayodhya in the center of Uttar Pradesh, revered by the followers of Hinduism as the birthplace of Rama. There are many Hindu temples here, although some of them were demolished during the Muslim rule, erecting mosques in their place. There are assumptions, that the Babri Masjid mosque stands on the site of the former temple of the god Rama. Hindu fundamentalists demand that the mosque be demolished and its original building restored. Almost everyone, who, thanks to this case, tried to gain political capital, they were drawn into this conflict, especially the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh and its paramilitary organization Rashtriya Sayamsewak Sangh (RSS). BJP, as a party working for the revival of Hinduism, she was trying to end this case, ignoring the possible consequences. As a result, all over 1992 r. there were fights and riots broke out there. At the end, in December 1992 r. the Hindus have destroyed the mosque, sparking street clashes, as a result of which the deaths of over 200 people.
The following year, support for BJP increased significantly, especially in the Indian-dominated northern states of India. It seemed then, that she will be one of the main parties in India in the years to come 90. The situation of the city of Ayodhya has not yet been settled, however, BJP ceased to use this case for political games. In the local elections at the end 1993 r. it lost power in three of the five previously ruled states and barely retained its position in Raja-state. However, in the next state elections in 1995 r. she succeeded with Shiv Sena, another fundamentalist party, take power in Maharashtra. Events, which took place in Ayodhya, is currently investigating the Supreme Court of Uttar Pradeśu. The top-down practice of appointing people from the so-called. "Backward classes", who belong to the lowest strata of Hindu society, caused religious riots. Some parties gained a lot of support thanks to this policy, but these changes also contributed to the outbreak of social unrest in many parts of the country, for example the recent student protests in Uttar Pradesh. Such a system also discourages the lower strata of the Muslim community, who does not want to pursue professions intended for the lower class of Hindus. The practice of restricting access to certain positions contributed to the loss of the gains of such great figures, jak mahatma gandhi, who fought tirelessly to improve the situation of the lower strata. The caste system triumphed again. Hope remains, that a liberal economic policy will lead to the situation, in which the developing private sector in many areas of the economy will replace the state and the aforementioned practices will gradually disappear. At the end 1994 r. Congress (I) he failed in the Andhra Pradesh state election (Rao's native state) and in Karnataka, where the number of seats fell from 178 do 35. Hard to say, which caused such a huge drop in voters' confidence in Rao's party, but the current corruption scandals and the government's economic policy undoubtedly contributed to this. There is rapid liberalization in the economy, but a reduction in agricultural subsidies, as well as high inflation (ok. 11% annually) caused the living conditions of millions of farmers and workers to deteriorate. Despite these problems, however, it is worth remembering, that 50% people living in democratic countries live in India and, as the events of 1977 r., it is a stable democracy. Otherwise, despite problems with population growth, poverty in the countryside, corruption and opportunism of politicians, India is a country, who is able to feed its inhabitants without importing food. They can too – with little foreign aid – produce high-class technical devices, they also have an independent and extremely critical press, and there are little or no problems with security or hassle with customs officials, which cannot be said about other countries.