Between 1996 and 1999: Three Prime Ministers

Now began a period of quick change of governments; the period 1996-1999 saw three prime ministers at the helm. The BJP won its largest tally so far in the 1996

elections but, even with its allies, it was far from the simple majority required to form a government on its own. The National Front emerged as a contender with the agenda of replacing the Congress or the BJP. The elections also for the first time showed the strength of regional and state parties.