In 2020, Indian politics witnessed several significant events and developments.
COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Indian politics. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implemented nationwide lockdowns and various measures to contain the spread of the virus. The pandemic also influenced policy decisions and reshaped political priorities.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Protests: The CAA, which aimed to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, sparked protests across the country. Many citizens and opposition parties expressed concerns about the legislation, leading to widespread demonstrations and debates on issues of secularism and inclusivity.
Delhi Riots: In February 2020, violent clashes erupted in Northeast Delhi, resulting in numerous deaths and property damage. The riots were primarily between supporters and opponents of the CAA. The incident raised questions about communal tensions and law enforcement.
Bihar Assembly Elections: The Bihar Assembly elections were held in October-November 2020. The elections saw a close contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of opposition parties. The NDA emerged as the victor, and Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term.
Rajya Sabha Elections: Several Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) seats went to polls in 2020. The BJP and its allies gained seats, strengthening their position in the Rajya Sabha.
Party Leadership Changes: The year witnessed some leadership changes within political parties. For instance, Jyotiraditya Scindia, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, joined the BJP. Additionally, the Shiv Sena, a regional party in Maharashtra, formed a coalition government with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after severing ties with the BJP.
State Elections: Alongside the Bihar Assembly elections, several states conducted local and municipal elections in 2020. These elections had implications for state-level politics and the power dynamics between political parties.
Farmer Protests: Towards the end of 2020, farmers' protests gained momentum primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of the country. Farmers were demanding the repeal of three agricultural laws enacted by the central government. The protests became a significant political issue, with widespread support and criticism from various political parties.
