Reinventing the Congress: Economic Policies and Strategies Since 1991

Book Details

• Author: V. Bijukumar

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• Binding: Hardcover

• Pages: 312

• ISBN: 8131600270

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.0 inches

About the Book

"The Congress Party and the Politics of Economic Reforms" explores the Congress Party's policies and strategies in the 1990s, particularly its transition from a developmental state towards market-oriented development. The book places the Congress Party in the broader context of three significant trends in Indian politics during this period: Mandal, Mandir, and Market.

The study delves into the relationship between the Congress Party, the developmental state, and market forces. The shift in its developmental strategy from state-led growth to market-driven reforms significantly impacted its dominance and legitimacy in Indian politics. As the market-oriented reforms attacked the developmental state, the Congress faced a crisis, resulting in the de-institutionalization of the party.

However, during the second generation reforms under the BJP-led NDA government, the Congress Party began a process of introspection. It re-evaluated its past policies, particularly socialism and social justice, realizing that these principles held the potential to mobilize alienated social groups and re-establish its position in Indian politics.

About the Author

V. Bijukumar is an expert in Indian political studies, focusing on the Congress Party and its historical and political strategies. His work analyzes the intersection of politics and economic reforms in modern India.