1989 elections in India

The 1989 elections in India were conducted in two phases, during November and December, marking the seventh general elections since the country's independence in 1947. These elections were significant for their socio-political implications, as they were held against the backdrop of rising political instability and communal tensions, particularly following the tumultuous events of the late 1980s. The Indian National Congress, led by Rajiv Gandhi, sought to maintain its dominance amidst challenges from various regional parties and emerging political entities. The elections resulted in a fractured mandate, leading to the formation of a coalition government under the National Front, led by V.P. Singh. The 1989 elections thus marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics, highlighting the decline of the Congress party's hegemony and the rise of regional players.