The Indian political scene in the aftermath of the 1996 general elections is marked by the fragmentation of political power and an evolving consensus on ideological issues, such as economic liberalization. The end of the dominant party era is characterized by regional power politics, decentralization and the shifting of the power base from the center to the state. The consensus on economic policy marks a significant shift away from the protectionism of Nehruvian Socialism. However, the consensus on the features and limits of the reform process subverts redistributional politics and efficient governance.
