Glossary of Indian Politics

Vajpayee, Atal Behari (1926-), Present PM of India (1996, 1998-). Foreign minister (1977-79) in the Janata Party Govt. Prominent leader of the BJP since its conception and before that of the BJS, considered the moderate face of BJP.

Varna The concept of caste system.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Literal: The Earth is a Family.

VHP See Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad A hardline Hindu outfit founded in 1964 by a group of senior RSS leaders to give Hindus what they believed would be a clearly defined sense of religious identity and political purpose and to ‘Hinduise’ the Indian nation.

Women’s Reservation Bill A long awaited bill to be staged in the parliament, providing for 33% reservation for women in the parliamentary elections.

Yadav, Laloo Prasad (1948-), A secular, socialist political leader from Bihar. Has made his presence felt on the national political scene with his steady stream of earthy aphorisms. Leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly for two terms, CM of Bihar (1990-97). Was re-elected to the 12th Lok Sabha for a third term. Presently running the Bihar government through his wife Rabri Devi

Yadav, Mulayam Singh (1939-), A political leader inspired and influenced by the socialist thoughts and ideology of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Jailed nine times during different agitations for the protection of rights and welfare of farmers, labourers, youth, students, minorities and backward classes. Took a strong stand against the demolition of the mosque in Ayodhya by Hindu hardliners. This further enhanced his reputation as a key supporter of the minorities.

Zamindar A big powerful landlord.

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