Glossary of Indian Politics

Rajya Sabha The upper house of the Indian Parliament consisting of 250 members. One-third of them retire every other year; the term of a member is six years. A majority of members are apportioned by state, each state’s delegates are chosen by its assembly and twelve nominated by the President.

Rao, P.V. Narsimha (1921-), PM of India (1991-96), Cong(I), CM of Andhra Pradesh (1971-73). Elected to the Indian Parliament in 1972. Held several cabinet posts under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi including foreign affairs minister (1980-84). Moved decisively towards free-market reforms, reducing govt’s economic role, instituting austerity measures, and encouraging foreign investment. Convicted in Sept. 2000, allegedly conspiring to buy votes in parliament prior to a 1993 no-confidence vote and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh Literal: National Volunteers Association. A Hindu fundamentalist organisation started in 1925 by Dr. K. B. Hedgewar. Banned in 1948 following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by a right-wing Hindu- Nathuram Godse. RSS went underground before re-emerging in the 1960s. Since then it has slowly gained prominence and political influence, culminating in the rise of BJP. (See BJS and BJP too)

RAW Research and Analysis Wing, Indian government’s international secret investigation bureau.

RBI Reserve Bank of India, India’s Central Bank, established on 1 April 1935, nationalised on 1 January 1949. Present Governor Y.V. Reddy, considered to be a liberal.

RJD Rashtriya Janata Dal, a regional political party of Bihar and Chattisgarh, founded by Laloo Prasad Yadav now ruling the state of Bihar with Rabri Devi as the CM. Party symbol: A lantern. First and present president: Laloo Prasad Yadav.

RS See Rajya Sabha.

RSS See Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh.

SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Sadhu A male Hindu mendicant.

Sadhvi A female Hindu mendicant.

Samajwadi Jan Parishad A small socialist party formed in 1994 as a result of merger of non-party, non-electoral movement groups, Socialist Front Maharashtra and Samta Sangathan among others, aiming at greater impact for social transformation. First President: Kishen Pattnayak. Present President: Vinod Prasad Singh.

Samajwadi Party A regional party with secular credentials established in 1992. The party is in favour of ‘Indo Pak Bangladesh Mahasangh’. Believes in Democratic Socialism and assistance to agriculture, small and medium scale industry. Opposes uncontrolled entry of multinational companies to India. First and present President: Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Samta Party A political party in India, an offshoot of Janata Dal. Formed in 1994 after two senior leaders in the Janata Dal, George Fernandes and Nitish Kumar broke away mainly against what they called corrupt and undemocratic practices of Laloo. The party is largely based in Bihar. A crucial ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party manifesto claims it to be a secular party opposing communalism, committed to the eradication of corruption at all levels and stressing on the need for increased security of the nation and believing in mobilising people for the same. Party Symbol: a torch. Samata Party leader George Fernandes rose to international fame for his opposition to multinationals. He was instrumental in packing off Coca-Cola from India when he was a minister in the Janata Party government during 1977-79. Fernandes was also an ardent campaigner against the BJP, which he then criticised as a communal party.

Sangh Parivar A cluster of organisations related to RSS including VHP, BJP etc.

Sant An ascetic, saint

Sarkar Government

Sarvodya Movement Conceived by Vinoba Bhave. Central aim: to contribute to the awakening of the world by responsible action through the dimensions of Self, Family, Village community, Urban community and National community. It would result in the ultimate goal: the awakening of all (‘Sarvodya’; Sarva=All, Udaya=Awakening/rising). Spearheaded by Gandhi with his philosophy of Truth, Non-violence and Self-sacrifice.

SC See Scheduled Castes.

SC See Supreme Court.

Scheduled Castes A number of ‘lower’ castes in the Indian caste hierarchy who are given special constitutional status for being traditionally educationally and economically backward. They are given special provisions like reservations in govt. jobs, educational institutions, lower fees, lesser qualifying marks etc.

Scheduled Tribes Tribal people in India who are given special constitutional status for being traditionally educationally and economically backward. They are given special provisions like reservations in govt. jobs, educational institutions, lower fees, lesser qualifying marks etc.

Seva Service

Shiv Sena A political group prsent mainly in Maharasthra advocating the Hindutva agenda.

Singh, V.P. (1931-), former PM of India (Nov 1989-90) heading the National Front govt. Elected President of UP Congress 1984. Announced implementation of the Mandal Commission Report on Reservations for OBCs and became a ‘messiah’ of the downtrodden.

Sloka A verse.

SP See Samajwadi Party.

ST See Scheduled Tribes.

Sudra Caste of labourers, fourth in the Indian caste hierarchy.

Supreme Court The apex court of the country, consisting of 25 judges.

Swaraj Self-rule

Swarg Heaven

Swatantrata Independence

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