The Janata Interregnum and Indira Gandhi’s Second Coming, 1977–1984

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding the key events leading to the formation and rise of the Janata Party.
2. Examining the decline and eventual disintegration of the Janata Party.
3. Analyzing Indira Gandhi’s political resurgence and her second term as prime minister.
4. Evaluating the socio-political and economic landscape in India during 1977–1984.
5. Assessing the long-term impact of Indira Gandhi’s governance and political legacy.

Formation of the Janata Party

In January 1977, leaders of Congress (O), Jan Sangh, Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLD), and the Socialist Party announced the formation of the Janata Party. Several Congress figures, including Jagjivan Ram, H.N. Bahuguna, and Nandini Satpathy, defected to form the Congress for Democracy (CFD). Their alliance with parties such as DMK, Akali Dal, and CPM posed a significant challenge to Congress in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, targeting the Emergency and its excesses.

1. The Emergency and forced sterilizations were central to the opposition’s campaign.
2. Janata Party won 330 out of 542 seats, defeating Congress, which secured 154 seats.
3. Congress suffered a major blow in North India, while performing relatively better in South India.
4. Jagjivan Ram’s CFD merged with the Janata Party after the elections.
5. Morarji Desai became the prime minister after a dispute over leadership among Janata members.

Janata Government’s Initial Actions

The Janata government, led by Morarji Desai, took immediate steps to consolidate power.

1. Nine Congress-ruled state governments were dismissed after Congress’s national defeat.
2. In June 1977, Janata Party and allies won in several state assembly elections.
3. The 44th Constitutional Amendment was passed, repealing certain provisions of the 42nd Amendment.
4. Fundamental Rights and civil liberties were restored.

Janata Party in Crisis

Disillusionment with the Janata regime began due to its failure in governance and social justice delivery.

1. Social tensions grew, especially in rural areas, with increasing caste violence, such as the Belchi massacre.
2. Communal violence resurfaced, leading to widespread unrest in universities and law enforcement agencies.
3. The government repudiated the Nehruvian vision of development but failed to develop an alternative strategy.
4. The shift to rural-centric policies led to stagnation in both agriculture and industry.
5. Inflation and shortages, especially in 1979, heightened public dissatisfaction.

Important Note:
The Janata Party’s decentralized economic strategy lacked coherence, leading to stagnation and a lack of tangible growth.

The Revival of the Congress

Amid the Janata Party’s internal conflicts, Indira Gandhi’s political fortunes began to revive.

1. In January 1978, Congress split into Congress (I), led by Indira Gandhi, and Congress (U), led by Devaraj Urs.
2. Congress (I) regained strength in the 1978 state assembly elections in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
3. Commissions of enquiry, such as the Shah Commission, were set up to investigate Emergency excesses.
4. Indira Gandhi’s growing popularity was demonstrated by her victory in the Chikmagalur by-election.
5. In December 1978, she was expelled from parliament and briefly imprisoned.

The Collapse of the Janata Government

By mid-1979, factional struggles within the Janata Party came to a head.

1. Charan Singh broke away from Janata with the support of the Socialists.
2. Morarji Desai’s government resigned in July 1979, leading to Charan Singh forming a minority government.
3. Indira Gandhi withdrew her support to Charan Singh, prompting mid-term elections in January 1980.

Indira Gandhi’s Return

In the January 1980 elections, Indira Gandhi returned to power with a massive victory.

1. Congress (I) secured 353 out of 529 seats, reclaiming its dominant position.
2. The Janata Party split further, with the Jan Sangh faction forming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Indira Gandhi’s Second Term

After returning to office, Indira Gandhi faced several challenges, both political and personal.

1. The Congress government dissolved opposition-ruled state assemblies, securing victories in 15 of 22 states.
2. Indira Gandhi’s political style had changed, marked by hesitation and caution.
3. The death of Sanjay Gandhi in June 1980 shook her, and Rajiv Gandhi was brought into politics to fill the void.

Political Challenges and Organizational Weakness

Indira Gandhi’s second term was marked by a weakening of the Congress party’s organizational structure.

1. Infighting within the Congress persisted, affecting governance in several states.
2. The 1983 state assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka saw significant defeats for Congress, with the rise of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and a Janata-led front.
3. Communal, linguistic, and caste conflicts intensified, particularly in Kashmir, Assam, and Punjab.

Important Note:
The weakening of Congress’s internal structure under Indira Gandhi’s second term significantly impacted its ability to govern and maintain popular support.

Economic and Foreign Policy

Despite political difficulties, Indira Gandhi managed some successes in the fields of economic development and foreign policy.

1. Economic growth improved, with rates surpassing 4% per year, driven by increases in agricultural and petroleum production.
2. The government implemented cautious economic liberalization, wary of multinational corporations.
3. In 1983, India hosted the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, with Indira Gandhi playing a prominent role.

Foreign Relations

Indira Gandhi maintained a balanced foreign policy, navigating complex international challenges.

1. She refused to condemn the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, while advising a speedy withdrawal of Soviet troops.
2. India’s relations with the United States and China were cautiously managed, with efforts to normalize ties.
3. In April 1984, Indian forces were deployed to the Siachen Glacier to strengthen India’s position along the Line of Control (LoC).

Assassination and Legacy

On 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two Sikh members of her security guard, marking the end of her long political career.

Indira Gandhi—An Evaluation

Indira Gandhi was a complex leader, marked by both great strengths and significant weaknesses.

1. She demonstrated exceptional political skill, decisiveness, and courage throughout her career.
2. Her contributions to making India self-reliant and economically independent were significant, particularly the success of the Green Revolution.
3. Foreign policy under her leadership remained independent and pragmatic, aligned with India’s strategic interests.

Important Note:
Indira Gandhi’s failure to build and reform key institutions limited the lasting impact of her governance despite her political dominance.

MCQ:

What was one of the most significant reasons for the decline of the Janata Party?

A) Economic mismanagement
B) Foreign policy failures
C) Factionalism and infighting
D) Loss of public support due to Emergency

Answer: C