Principle over power

For the first time in independent India, the balance of power shifted decisively in favour of the backward classes with Prime Minister V.P. Singh deciding to implement the Mandal Commission report on OBC reservation, bringing "social justice" to centre stage and setting off fiery anti-reservation protests. The "rebellion of the elite" found political expression in the communal rath of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which supported his government from outside. The Raja of Manda, who had given up office twice before in defence of his principles, stood his ground and preferred resignation to political surrender.