You will notice that BJP and Congress were engaged in a tough competition in this period. What is the difference between their electoral fortunes if you compare these with the 1984 elections?
The 1984 elections marked the peak of Congress dominance, with the party winning a massive 415 seats in the Lok Sabha. This period was characterised by what political scientists called the 'Congress system', where Congress enjoyed centrality in the party system with no serious competition.
However, the situation changed dramatically after 1989. Congress was reduced to only 197 seats, marking the end of the 'Congress system'. While Congress remained an important party, it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed.
In contrast, the BJP, which was not a major force in 1984, consolidated its position through the elections of 1991 and 1996. It emerged as the largest party in the 1996 election. Thus, the period after 1989 witnessed tough competition between BJP and Congress, unlike the one-sided dominance of Congress in 1984.
Explanation
The question asks students to compare electoral fortunes of BJP and Congress between 1984 and the subsequent period. The textbook context clearly shows that 1984 was Congress's peak (415 seats), representing the 'Congress system'. After 1989, Congress declined to 197 seats and lost its centrality, while BJP consolidated and became the largest party by 1996. The key point is the shift from Congress dominance to competitive politics between the two parties.