Popular Struggles & Movements

Vital For CBSE Class X Board Exam

1. MADATSST & MUKUND INGLE PRESENTS

2. POPULAR STRUGGLES & MOVEMENTS Mr. Mukund B. Ingle

3. NEPAL – A Third Wave nation Nepal is considered as a ‘third wave’ nation that won its democracy in 1990. Though the head of the nation was king, the real powers lied in the hand of elected representatives. This transition was accepted by king Birendra who was then killed in family conspiracy in 2001. King Gyanendra, the new king was not ready to accept this change and he started reducing the power of elected government and in 2005 he dismissed the Prime Minister he gained all powers in his hand. The aim of 2006 movement was to get control of power from the king. All political parties came together to form SPA and Maoist also joined them. They demanded three things restoration of parliament, power to an all-party government and a new constituent assembly. People started joining the struggle and ultimately king had to retreat from his post and Girija Prasad Koirala was selected as Prime Minister and democracy was restored .

4. BOLIVIA’S WATER WAR Example of Bolivia’s water struggle reminds us that the role of struggle does not end with the established of Democracy but it is integral to the working of Democracy also. Bolivia had elected government but due to the pressure of World bank, the elected government had to give water distribution contract to MNC of the city of Cochabamba. This led to increase of water price and in 2000 people came together and struggled to cancel the contract. Government brutally suppressed the movement in January and February. It was re-launched in April with more support of the people and political party. Government tried to impose martial law. But this time people succeeded and water distribution was restored to Municipal Corporation.

5. OUTCOMES of Nepal & Bolivia Democracy evolves through popular struggles and movements. Struggles take place between the groups or people who have the powers and who want to have the powers. Movements take place in all phases of democracy – transition of democracy, expansion of democracy and deepening of democracy. Democratic conflicts are resolved through mass mobilization. No movement is successful without public support and involvement. These political disputes are based on political organizations. The struggle is not successful till people gather effectively with political support.

6. Similarities & Differences Similarities Differences Both movements were successful Causes for the struggles were different at both the places. Nepal – restoring democracy and Bolivia – water disputes 2. Both were mass mobilization and politically organized. SPA in Nepal & FEDECOR in Bolivia worked as pressure groups 2. In Nepal movement was against the king and in Bolivia it was against the elected govt. 3. Both were successful in the second attempt 3. In Nepal, Political parties started and people supported and in Bolivia people started and political parties supported

7. Interest & Movements Groups Interest groups are formed by the people of common interest to influence government policies and fulfill their demands. They indirectly participate in politics in the form of movements. But movements are slightly different than the interest groups. Movements have loose organization Decision making is more informal and flexible. Support of the people is spontaneous and uncertain.

8. Section & Public/Promotional Groups Sectional interest Groups Public/Promotional Interest Groups These represent the particular section of the society These are made to promote the interest of society rather than own. 2. These groups work for selective objectives 2. These work for collective objectives 3. These work for longer period of time. 3. These work till their objectives are achieved. 4. Their objectives are more in number. 4. Their objectives are limited in number.

9. MOVEMENT GROUPS Most of the movements are issue-specific movements that seek to achieve a single objective within a limited time frame. Others are more general or generic movements that seek to achieve a broad goal in the very long term. Movements are for short period as well as for longer period also. Movements with specific issue have a clear leadership and some organizations. Movements with broader issues have more organizations involved and separate leadership for each separate organization. Sometimes these broad movements have loose organization .

10. How Pressure Groups & Movements Influence Politics? Public Support: They try for public support and sympathy for their cause through media. Protest Activities : These groups practice mass activities to drag the attention of the government. Appointment of lobbyist : Some work as adviser to government and commercial committees.

11. Relation Between Politics & Pressure Groups Sometimes political parties come forward and form pressure groups. Some pressure groups turn themselves into political parties. Leadership of political parties comes from the leadership of pressure groups.

12. Are Pressure Groups Healthy For Democracy? Opinions of people are listened. Participation of the people in democratic process increase. They help in balancing the power by contour balancing other and help in deepening the democracy.

13. THANK YOU & BEST OF LUCK