1996 in India

In 1996, India experienced significant political, social, and economic developments that shaped the trajectory of the nation. The year was marked by the volatile political landscape following the general elections, which resulted in a fractured mandate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, leading to the formation of a short-lived government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee in May, which lasted only 13 days. Subsequently, H.D. Deve Gowda, leader of the Janata Dal, served as Prime Minister, marking a period of coalition politics. Economically, India continued its liberalization reforms initiated in the early 1990s, while the rise of information technology began to take root, influencing future growth. Socially, the year also witnessed increased discussions on caste dynamics and communal tensions within society.