Political Science | Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System (Politics in India Since Independence)

The chapter covers various key events and themes, including Nehru’s succession, the 1967 elections, non-Congressism, the split in Congress, and the 1971 elections. It also discusses Indira Gandhi’s strategies to regain control and restore the Congress system.

Challenge of Political Succession:

• Nehru’s death in 1964 led to speculation about political succession.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri was chosen as Prime Minister but faced challenges like the food crisis and the 1965 war with Pakistan.
• After Shastri’s sudden death in 1966, Indira Gandhi was selected as Prime Minister over Morarji Desai.

Fourth General Elections, 1967:

• The 1967 elections were pivotal, marked by economic distress and public protests.
• The Congress faced significant electoral setbacks at both national and state levels, leading to a phenomenon known as the “political earthquake.”

Non-Congressism:

• Opposition parties, sensing an opportunity due to internal Congress divisions and Indira Gandhi’s inexperience, formed alliances to topple the Congress.
• The strategy of non-Congressism was advocated by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia.

Electoral Verdict:

• The 1967 elections saw Congress losing many state governments and experiencing reduced strength in the Lok Sabha.
• The concept of coalitions emerged, with non-Congress parties forming joint legislative parties to govern.

Defection:

• Defection, where elected representatives switched parties, became common, leading to political instability and the term “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram.”

Split in the Congress:

• Indira Gandhi faced challenges from the Syndicate, a group of powerful Congress leaders.
• The presidential election of 1969 intensified the rivalry, with Indira Gandhi supporting V.V. Giri against the Syndicate’s candidate, N. Sanjeeva Reddy.
• Giri’s victory formalized the split into Congress (O) led by the Syndicate and Congress (R) led by Indira Gandhi.

The 1971 Election and Restoration of Congress:

• Indira Gandhi dissolved the Lok Sabha in December 1970, leading to the 1971 general elections.
• The Grand Alliance of opposition parties campaigned with the slogan “Indira Hatao” (Remove Indira), while Indira Gandhi countered with “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty).

The Outcome and After Effect:

• Indira Gandhi’s Congress (R) won a landslide victory, securing 352 seats in the Lok Sabha.
• The Grand Alliance’s failure consolidated Indira Gandhi’s position and led to the restoration of Congress dominance.

Restoration:

• Indira Gandhi reinvented the Congress party, focusing on social groups like the poor, women, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities.
• Despite consolidating political power, the period saw shrinking spaces for democratic expression and growing popular unrest.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System – Politics in India Since Independence”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the 1967 elections on Indian politics and the emergence of coalition governments.
2. Research Project: Investigate the role of the Syndicate in the Congress party and its rivalry with Indira Gandhi.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on whether the strategy of non-Congressism was effective in challenging Congress dominance.
4. Chart Creation: Create a timeline of major events from Nehru’s death to the 1971 elections, highlighting key political shifts and elections.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock election campaign for the 1971 general elections, representing different political parties and their slogans.

Conclusion

The chapter “Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System – Politics in India Since Independence” provides a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics in India during the 1960s and early 1970s. It highlights the challenges faced by the Congress party, the emergence of coalition politics, and the strategic maneuvers by Indira Gandhi to restore Congress dominance.