CBSE Class 10 SST: Popular Struggles — Political Science Notes 2026

Nepal's People's Movement

• Nepal 2006: king Gyanendra took direct control; political parties formed Seven Party Alliance (SPA)
• People's movement: massive protests for democracy; April 2006; king capitulated; democracy restored
• Outcome: Parliament recalled; peace agreement with Maoists; 2008 elections; Nepal became republic (king abolished)

Bolivia Water War

• Privatisation of Cochabamba's water supply by government; Bechtel Corporation took over; prices tripled
• People's movement January 2000: nationwide protest; police crackdown; many injured, one teenager killed
• Result: government agreed to cancel privatisation; water supply returned to public control; grassroots victory

Comparison: Nepal vs Bolivia

• Nepal: political democracy movement; regime change; professional civil society and political parties organised it
• Bolivia: economic democracy movement; single issue; informal networks; trade unions and social organisations led
• Both succeeded: but different means and different outcomes; neither was armed conflict

Pressure Groups and Movements

• Pressure groups: organisations that seek to influence policies without seeking power directly
• Sectional interest groups: FICCI (industry), trade unions, caste associations; specific group benefits
• Public interest groups: BAMCEF (Dalit rights), environmental NGOs, women's rights organisations; broader benefit claimed

Types of Movements

• Protest movements: specific issue; mobilise around single cause; environment, anti-corruption
• Long-term social movements: caste reform (Ambedkar's movement), women's movement, tribal rights
• Difference from political parties: movements don't contest elections (usually); more focused; often more radical

How Democracy Accommodates Movements

• Protest democracy: demonstrations, strikes, petitions, civil disobedience; pressure on government
• Judicial activism: PIL (Public Interest Litigation) allows citizens to approach court for public interest; accountability tool
• Media: free press amplifies movements; Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement 2011 — media crucial

CBSE Exam Tips

• Popular struggles: Nepal and Bolivia; contrast the two movements; 4–5 mark question
• Pressure group: definition + example + distinguish from political party; 3 marks
• Assess: 'democracy accommodates popular struggles'; explain with examples