In the late 1960s and early 1970s, India’s political landscape experienced tumultuous shifts, marking an era of unprecedented challenges and transformations for the Congress party. Central to this period was Indira Gandhi, whose leadership witnessed dramatic factional battles within Congress, a bold approach to socio-economic reforms, and political maneuverings that would redefine the party and the nation’s political trajectory.

Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System

Challenge of Political Succession

After the passing of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964, two major questions arose:

• Who would be the successor to Nehru?
• What would become of India’s democratic experiment post-Nehru?
• Challenges to India’s Democracy: Many outsiders harboured serious doubts about continuity of India’s democratic journey after Nehru.
• India’s 1960s was perceived as a “dangerous decade,” with looming challenges like poverty, inequality, and communal and regional divisions.

Transition from Nehru to Shastri

The succession after Nehru took place with surprising ease. K. Kamaraj,  then Congress president, consulted with party leaders and Congress MPs, arriving at a consensus in favour of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

• As Prime Minister: Shastri (Refer to Figure 5.2), who hailed from Uttar Pradesh and had a reputation for his simplicity and principled approach, assumed the role of Prime Minister.
• Challenges: During his tenure, India grappled with the economic aftermath of the war with China, a severe drought, and food scarcity. Additionally, a war with Pakistan in 1965 posed a major challenge.
• Unifying Slogan: His leadership was symbolized by the iconic slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.
  • However, his term came to a sudden end with his untimely death in Tashkent in January 1966.

Shift from Shastri to Indira Gandhi

Political Succession Crisis: The Congress once again faced the dilemma of political succession within two years.

• Leadership Rivalry: A fierce competition for leadership emerged between Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi.
  • After a series of deliberations, the senior party leaders decided to support Indira Gandhi (Refer to Figure 5.3), even though the decision wasn’t unanimous.
• Secret Ballot Election: This internal contest was ultimately settled through a secret ballot among Congress MPs, with Indira Gandhi emerging victorious.
• This peaceful transition, despite internal rifts, showcased the evolving maturity of India’s democracy.
• Indira Gandhi’s Political Experience: Although Indira Gandhi had been politically active for a significant duration, her administrative tenure was comparatively brief under Shastri.
  • Some believed that senior Congress leaders backed her, anticipating that her relative inexperience would make her reliant on them.
• Consolidation and Control: However, faced with economic challenges, Indira Gandhi swiftly took measures to assert her control over the party and project her leadership.

Profile: Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi’s Tenure: Indira Gandhi (served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and then from 1980 to 1984 (Refer to Figure 5.4).

• Early Political Activism: As a young Congress worker, she participated actively in the freedom struggle.
• Rise in the Congress: She held the prestigious position of Congress President in 1958 and was a minister in Shastri’s cabinet between 1964-66.
  • Under her leadership, the Congress celebrated victories in 1967, 1971, and 1980 general elections.
• Policy Initiatives: She was associated with significant policy milestones, such as the ‘garibi hatao’ initiative, victory in 1971 war, abolition of Privy Purse, nationalization of banks, and crucial environmental protection measures.
• Assassination and Legacy: Her life tragically came to an end with her assassination on 31 October 1984.

Conclusion

India’s political landscape in the late 1960s and early 1970s saw transformative changes under Indira Gandhi’s leadership. She navigated factional battles within the Congress party, economic challenges, and leadership crisis, emerging as a decisive leader who redefined the nation’s political trajectory. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms and political maneuvers that solidified her control and shaped India’s democracy.

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