Challenges to and restoration of the congress system - Class 12 Political Science - Chapter 5 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Which of these statements about the 1967 elections is/are correct?
(a) Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in many states.
(b) Congress lost both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
(c) Congress lost majority in the Lok Sabha but formed a coalition government with the support of some other parties.
(d) Congress retained power at the Centre with an increased majority.
The correct statement about the 1967 elections is:
(a) Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in many states.
This is corroborated in the text where it mentions that the Congress managed to get a majority in the Lok Sabha, but with its lowest tally of seats and share of votes since 1952. Additionally, the Congress lost majority in as many as seven States and faced defections preventing it from forming a government in two others.
Column 1 | Column 2 |
---|---|
(a) Syndicate | (i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket s/he has been elected |
(b) Defection | (ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention |
(c) Slogan | (iii) Parties with different ideological position coming together to oppose Congress and its policies |
(d) Anti-Congressism | (iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress |
Column 1 | Column 2 |
---|---|
(a) Syndicate | (iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress |
(b) Defection | (i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket s/he has been elected |
(c) Slogan | (ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention |
(d) Anti-Congressism | (iii) Parties with different ideological positions coming together to oppose Congress and its policies |
Whom would you identify with the following slogans/phrases?
(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(b) Indira Hatao!
(c) Garibi Hatao!
(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan - This slogan is associated with Lal Bahadur Shastri, who used it to promote the dual goals of supporting Indian soldiers and farmers during his term as Prime Minister of India.
(b) Indira Hatao! - This phrase translates to "Remove Indira" and was used by the opposition during the political campaigns against Indira Gandhi. It was notably a part of the campaign rhetoric of the Grand Alliance formed against her.
(c) Garibi Hatao! - This slogan, meaning "Remove Poverty," was famously used by Indira Gandhi. It formed the core of her 1971 election campaign and was aimed at resonating with the poorer sections of the Indian society.
Which of the following statement about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is correct?
The Grand Alliance …..
(a) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
(b) had a clear political and ideological programme.
(c) was formed by all non-Congress parties.
The correct statement about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is:
(a) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
The Grand Alliance or "Mahagathbandhan" formed in 1971 was indeed a coalition of various non-Communist, non-Congress opposition parties, including the Socialist Party (SSP), the Praja Socialist Party (PSP), the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Swatantra Party, and the Bharatiya Kranti Dal. This alliance lacked a coherent political program and mainly focused on opposing Indira Gandhi, which was evident in their central campaign slogan "Indira Hatao" (Remove Indira).
How should a political party resolve its internal differences? Here are some suggestions. Think of each and list out their advantages and shortcomings.
(a) Follow the footsteps of the party president
(b) Listen to the majority group
(c) Secret ballot voting on every issue
(d) Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party
(a) Follow the footsteps of the party president
Advantages:
- Streamlines decision-making: A singular direction might ensure smooth and consistent party actions.
- Clear leadership: Reduces confusion and conflict over leadership and decision making.
Shortcomings:
- Suppresses diverse views: It can stifle constructive dissent within the party leading to a lack of creative solutions.
- Overdependence on one leader: The party’s success and strategic decisions hinge excessively on one individual.
(b) Listen to the majority group
Advantages:
- Democratic approach: Decisions reflect the preference of most party members, enhancing the legitimacy of decisions.
- Greater participation and representation: Encourages engagement from a broader section of the party.
Shortcomings:
- Potential for majoritarian tyranny: Minority views might be consistently overridden, potentially alienating some members.
- Risk of populism: Decisions may skew towards popular but non-pragmatic solutions.
(c) Secret ballot voting on every issue
Advantages:
- Protects voters' privacy: Voters can make decisions without pressure or fear of retribution.
- Reduces bias and intimidation: Ensures free and fair vote without external pressures.
Shortcomings:
- Time-consuming: Frequent voting can delay decision-making.
- Reduces accountability: Members may not justify their votes, decreasing transparency.
(d) Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party
Advantages:
- Leverages experience: Utilizes the seasoned understanding of veterans to navigate complex issues.
- Mentorship and continuity: Helps in maintaining continuity and guidance in party policies and ideology.
Shortcomings:
- Conservatism: Might lead to resistance against innovative or necessary changes.
- Centralization of power: Power may become concentrated in a small group, leading to potential neglect of broader member perspectives.
State which of these were reasons for the defeat of the Congress in 1967. Give reasons for your answer.
(a) The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party
(b) Split within the Congress party
(c) Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups
(d) Increasing unity among non-Congress parties
(e) Internal differences within the Congress party
(a) The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party - True. The Congress was facing its first election without Nehru, who had been a unifying and charismatic leader. The lack of such a leader may have contributed to the Congress's poor performance.
(b) Split within the Congress party - False. The major split within the Congress, leading to the formation of Congress (O) and Congress (R), occurred in 1969, post the 1967 elections.
(c) Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups - True. There was increased mobilization and assertion by various regional, ethnic, and communal groups, seeking greater representation and rights, which Congress was increasingly seen as unable to accommodate.
(d) Increasing unity among non-Congress parties - True. The unity among non-Congress parties under the strategy of 'non-Congressism' led by Ram Manohar Lohia facilitated a more unified opposition, making it harder for Congress to dominate as it had previously.
(e) Internal differences within the Congress party - True. Internal differences and dissatisfaction within the party were prominent, as evidenced by the varying views on key policies and the jostle for leadership following Nehru and Shastri's tenure as Prime Ministers. This may have affected the party's cohesion and electoral performance.
What were the factors which led to the popularity of Indira Gandhi’s Government in the early 1970s?
The factors leading to the popularity of Indira Gandhi's government in the early 1970s include:
-
Populist Policies: Indira Gandhi adopted popular socialist policies like the nationalisation of banks and the abolition of the privy purse, appealing to the common people and projecting a pro-poor image.
-
Garibi Hatao Campaign: Her slogan "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty) resonated deeply with the disadvantaged sections of society, including landless labourers, Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, women, and unemployed youth, helping her build a broad-based support.
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Political Strategy: Gandhi's ability to project the split in the Congress as an ideological battle between the socialists and conservatives, and her portrayal of herself as a champion of the poor, consolidated her position.
-
Leadership in Crisis: Her decisive leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, enhanced her image as a strong and capable leader, contributing significantly to her popularity and the subsequent electoral triumph in state elections.
-
Failure of Opposition: The opposition’s lack of a coherent political program compared to Gandhi’s clear agenda also worked in her favor, as the electorate saw a definite plan in her actions versus a disorganized opposition.
The combination of these factors not only heightened her appeal among the masses but also helped restore the dominant position of Congress in Indian politics.
What does the term ‘syndicate’ mean in the context of the Congress party of the sixties? What role did the Syndicate play in the Congress party?
In the context of the Indian Congress party during the 1960s, the term 'Syndicate' refers to an informal group of influential and senior leaders within the Congress party who held significant control over the party's organizational structure. This group was predominantly led by K. Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and then the president of the Congress party, and included other powerful state leaders like S.K. Patil, S. Nijalingappa, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, and Atulya Ghosh.
The role of the Syndicate was crucial in shaping the leadership and policy directives of the Congress party during this period. The Syndicate had substantial influence in political appointments and decisions within the party. Notably, the Syndicate was instrumental in the selection of Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister following Lal Bahadur Shastri's sudden demise. However, as Indira Gandhi began asserting her authority and adopting policies that were ideologically more left leaning than the Syndicate preferred, conflicts emerged. This tension eventually led to a split in the Congress party in 1969, with one faction led by Indira Gandhi and the other by the Syndicate, known as the Congress (O) and Congress (R) respectively. The Syndicate's conservative approach contrasted with Indira Gandhi's more populist and socialist policies, culminating in severe intra-party rivalries and divisions.
Discuss the major issue which led to the formal split of the Congress Party in 1969.
The formal split of the Congress Party in 1969 was majorly precipitated by the factional rivalry between Indira Gandhi and the old guard within the Congress, often referred to as the "Syndicate." This group of powerful and influential Congress leaders initially supported Indira Gandhi's rise to prime minister but expected her to be guided by their advice. Over time, Gandhi sought to assert her independence and resisted the Syndicate's control, leading to conflicts over policy direction and leadership style.
The immediate issue that led to the formal split was the Presidential election of 1969. The Syndicate supported N. Sanjeeva Reddy as the official Congress candidate for President, against Gandhi's wishes. In retaliation, Gandhi supported V.V. Giri as an independent candidate and openly called for a "conscience vote," encouraging members to vote against the party's official nominee. Giri's subsequent victory marked the public and irreparable division between the two factions, leading to Gandhi being expelled from the party and the establishment of two separate Congress factions: Congress (Organization) and Congress (Requisitionists), later known as Congress (I) under Indira Gandhi. This split was also projected by Gandhi as an ideological divide between progressive and conservative forces within the party.
Read the passage and answer the questions below:
…Indira Gandhi changed the Congress into highly cerntalised and undemocratic party organisation, from the earlier federal, democratic and ideological formation that Nehru had led…..But this… could not have happened had not Indira Gandhi changed the entire nature of politics. This new, populist politics turned political ideology ……. into a mere electoral discourse, use of various slogans not meant to be translated into government policies…… During its great electoral victories in early 1970s, amidst the celebration, the Congress party as a political organisation died….. — Sudipta Kaviraj
(a) What according to the author is the difference between the strategies of Nehru and Indira Gandhi?
(b) Why does the author say that the Congress party ‘died’ in the seventies?
(c) In what way, did the change in the Congress party affect other political parties also?
(a) According to the author, Sudipta Kaviraj, the difference between the strategies of Nehru and Indira Gandhi lies in the nature of the Congress party organization under their leaderships. Nehru's leadership was characterized by a federal, democratic, and ideological formation, implying a more decentralized and principle-based approach. In contrast, Indira Gandhi transformed the Congress into a highly centralized and undemocratic party organization, focusing heavily on populist politics and electoral strategies rather than deep-rooted ideological governance.
(b) The author says that the Congress party 'died' in the seventies because under Indira Gandhi, it underwent a fundamental transformation where it ceased to function as a dynamic political organization. This transformation involved shifting from ideologically driven policies to using populist slogans as mere electoral tools without the intention of implementing them in government policies. This resulted in a loss of the party's foundational political character and organizational vibrance, reducing it to a tool for electoral success rather than a platform for genuine political engagement and ideological commitment.
(c) The change in the Congress party affected other political parties by altering the overall nature of political competition and discourse in India. As the Congress party started focusing on populist measures and centralized power structures, other parties might have felt compelled to respond in kind to remain competitive. This could lead to an overall shift towards more centralized and populist politics across the political spectrum, thereby reducing the emphasis on ideological clarity and democratic processes within parties. This shift could also lead to a politicization of issues that were traditionally not part of electoral strategies but necessary for policy-making.
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Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System — Class 12 Notes
Introduction
Indian politics during the 1960s and early 1970s underwent significant transformations. This period tested the resilience of the Congress system, intensifying political competition and internal strife. However, the restoration of the Congress system defined Indira Gandhi’s leadership and introduced new dynamics in Indian politics.
Political Succession Post-Nehru
The Challenge of Political Succession
The death of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964 posed immediate questions about India’s political future. International observers doubted the sustainability of India's democratic framework in a newly independent country like India. The challenge was not just who would succeed Nehru, but whether India could continue its democratic experiment without him.
Shastri's Leadership and Achievements
Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru with unexpected ease, quelling fears of political instability. Despite Shastri’s short tenure from 1964 to 1966, he faced significant challenges, including economic turmoil and the 1965 war with Pakistan. His slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” embodied India’s resolve to face both military and agricultural crises.
Rise of Indira Gandhi
Transition from Shastri to Indira Gandhi
Shastri’s sudden death in 1966 triggered another leadership crisis. The contest between Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi was intense. Eventually, Congress MPs favoured Indira Gandhi, marking a peaceful yet competitive transition that highlighted the maturity of Indian democracy.
Indira Gandhi’s Early Challenges
Initially seen as politically inexperienced, Indira Gandhi faced an economic crisis with failed monsoons and rising inflation. Despite these challenges, she set out to consolidate power within the Congress party and demonstrate her leadership skills.
The 1967 General Elections
Context and Challenges
The 1967 General Elections marked a turning point, as India faced significant socio-economic issues. The deaths of two Prime Ministers, economic crises, and a perceived political novice in Indira Gandhi crumbled the Congress’s stronghold. Conditions included droughts, food shortages, and rising unemployment, which fuelled widespread protests and public discontent.
The Impact of Non-Congressism
In this tumultuous environment, opposition parties capitalised on the Congress's vulnerabilities. The strategy of 'Non-Congressism', spearheaded by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, united disparate opposition parties to challenge Congress dominance. This coalition fractured the previously unassailable Congress stronghold and resulted in the formation of anti-Congress governments in several states.
Internal Dynamics and the 1969 Split
The Congress 'Syndicate'
The 'Syndicate' was a powerful group of senior Congress leaders that significantly influenced party decisions. Initially, they supported Indira Gandhi’s leadership, anticipating her political inexperience would keep her under their control. However, Indira Gandhi sought to assert her independence from this group.
Ideological and Political Split
The 1969 Presidential election exposed the deep rifts within the Congress. The Syndicate backed Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, while Indira Gandhi supported V.V. Giri. This resulted in Giri’s victory and deepened the factional divides within the party, formalising the split into Congress(O) and Congress(R).
Indira Gandhi’s Policies and Restorative Strategies
Economic and Social Reforms
Indira Gandhi utilised her popular mandate to implement radical reforms to restore the Congress system. Key initiatives included the nationalisation of banks and the abolition of privy purses to former princes. These socio-economic policies portrayed her as a pro-poor leader, further consolidating her political base.
The 1971 General Elections
To solidify her power, Indira Gandhi called for early elections in 1971. Her campaign centred around the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty), which resonated deeply with the disadvantaged sections of society. In contrast, the opposition’s 'Indira Hatao' (Remove Indira) campaign lacked a coherent programme.
Restoration and Transformation of the Congress System
Election Outcomes and Political Dominance
The 1971 General Elections saw a resounding victory for Indira Gandhi and Congress(R). The Congress(R)-CPI alliance secured 375 Lok Sabha seats, and Congress(R) alone won 352 of these seats, significantly outstripping Congress(O)’s 16 seats. This victory re-established Congress’s political dominance effectively.
Changes in Party Dynamics
Post-1971, the Congress system transformed significantly. Indira Gandhi’s leadership style centralised power around her personality, reshaping the party into a more centralised and less factionalised entity. While this allowed for decisive governance, it also reduced the internal democratic mechanisms that previously allowed for the accommodation of diverse opinions.
graph TB
A[Challenges to Congress System]
B[Political Successions]
C[Economic Crises]
D[1967 General Elections]
E[Internal Factions]
F[Indira Gandhi's Strategies]
A --> B
A --> C
A --> D
A --> E
E --> F
D --> F
C --> F
B --> F
F --> |Restoration of Congress System| G[1971 General Elections]
Conclusion
The period from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s was a decisive era in Indian politics, marked by significant challenges and subsequent restoration under Indira Gandhi’s leadership. Through strategic moves, economic reforms, and charismatic leadership, Indira Gandhi not only countered the immediate threats to the Congress system but also transformed the party’s structure and its relationship with the electorate. The Congress party’s reliance on a central charismatic figure and its new socio-political focus redefined its role within India’s democratic framework.
This analysis of political transitions, internal party dynamics, and electoral strategies provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Congress system faced, navigated, and overcame its various challenges, ultimately leading to its restoration in the early 1970s.
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