Indian government and politics

Momentous developments have taken place in the sphere of Indian government and politics ever since the last edition of this book was placed in the hands of its readers about a year back. References in this regard should be made to the Lok Sabha elections of 1984 under the dynamic leadership of young Prime Minister (Rajiv Gandhi) following the national tragedy of Mrs. Gandhi's assassination on 31 October, 1984. The new government won laurels by enacting the 52nd Consti tution Amendment Act so as to ban political defections and thereby m'cleanse public life' The Legislative Assembly elections of 1985 registered unexpected victory of the Congress (1) in some States, though the same drama in some other States demonstrated equally astonishing results in favour of other political parties. The formidable political developments in the States of Assam, Punjab, Gujarat and Jammu-Kashmir have assumed their own importance in the study of the government and politics of our country. Fortunately, the Government of India has been able to make accords with Akali leadership (under Sant Longowal) in Punjab and student leadership (under Mahanta) in Assam. I have taken due note mok of all these important events and thoroughly revised and updated the the book in the light of all of them.

However, keeping in view the critical suggestions of a good number of my esteemed friends and readers, I have suitably revised and enlarged some chapters of this book. May I once again express my sincere gratitude to a very large number of my friends who have been very kind to me in offering their critical suggestions from time to time in the light of which necessary changes and improvements have been made in this edition. I ardently desire to count on the gracious co-operation mil and indulgence of my readers.