NDA GOVERNMENT
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, came to power in India in 1998. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a significant era in Indian politics. The NDA government focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and strengthening national security. One of the most notable achievements of this government was the successful conduct of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which positioned India as a nuclear power. The NDA's tenure also saw significant initiatives like the Golden Quadrilateral highway project and efforts to improve India's global economic integration.
The town of Pokhran, located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, became famous for India's nuclear tests. The first nuclear test, Pokhran-I, was conducted on May 18, 1974, under the code name Smiling Buddha. This test was India's initial foray into nuclear capability, demonstrating the country's ability to develop and detonate a nuclear device. However, it was the Pokhran-II tests that had a more profound impact on India's strategic and geopolitical standing.
The Pokhran-II tests, conducted in May 1998, were a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions carried out by India at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range. These tests marked a pivotal moment in India's defence and foreign policy.
1.Preparation and Secrecy: The preparation for Pokhran-II was undertaken with utmost secrecy. The scientists involved, led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. R. Chidambaram, ensured that the tests were concealed from international surveillance. The project, code-named Operation Shakti, was meticulously planned to avoid detection by foreign intelligence agencies. This involved extensive planning, including nighttime movements of materials and personnel to avoid satellite detection.
2.The Tests: On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests. The first three tests were conducted on May 11:
Shakti-I: A thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb) with a yield of 45 kilotons. This test demonstrated India's ability to build and deploy a thermonuclear weapon.