Describe the emergence of opposition parties and the role played by them during the first phase of democratic politics in free India.

OR

Describe any three features of the Second Five Year Plan. Also, mention the problems faced during its implementation.

The role of opposition parties in the first phase of democratic

politics in our country is explained below:

1. They maintained the democratic character of the system.

2. They groomed future leaders.

3. They offered sustained criticism of the policies and practices of Congress.

4. They ensured a balance of power and kept a check on the working of the Congress.

5. They did not turn anti-democratic and thus, prevented being anti-democratic.

6. The had good personal relations with the opposition party.

OR

The three features of the Second Five Year Plan were:

1. The second five-year plan focused on the rapid industrialization of the country.

2. It laid stress on developing heavy industries such as iron, steel, and cement.

3. Its goal was to develop a socialist pattern of society.

4. It was designed in a manner to achieve quick transformation.

The problems faced during its implementation were:

1. India did not have access to the advanced methods of technology as the West had.

2. The process of industrialization became a costly affair.

3. All the focus was on the industrial sector and the agriculture sector was neglected.

4. This led to the shortage of foodgrains.

5. The country found it difficult to keep a balance between the 2 sectors.