question_answer

Analyse the circumstances that favoured Indira Gandhi to become Prime Minister after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Mention any four achievements of Indira Gandhi that made her popular as a Prime Minister.

Or

Analyse the circumstances responsible for the declaration of a state of emergency in India on 25th June, 1975.

Answer:

(1) Indira Gandhi was the daughter of popular ex PM J.L. Nehru.

(2) She had become Congress President in 1958.

(3) She had been Union Minister for information in Shastri?s cabinet from 1964 - 66.

Four Achievements:

(1) She had given a positive famous slogan ?Garibi Hatao?.

(2) She focused on growth of public sector.

(3) She had imposed the ceiling on rural land holdings and urban property to remove disparities in income and opportunity.

(4) She had abolished the princely privileges to prevail the principles of equality and social and economic justice.

(5) Decisive victory in the 1971/s India-Pakistan war soared Indira Gandhi?s popularity.

(6) First nuclear explosion in 1974 also increased her popularity. (Write any 4)

Or

Circumstances that led to Imposition of emergency:

(1) Clash between the executive (Government) & Judiciary.

(2) The government diverted all energies for the maintenance of law and order as a result development was not taking place.

(3) Students? movements in Bihar and Gujarat against price rise and corruption.

(4) Railway strike led by George Fernandes.

(5) A big rally at Ram Lila Maidan and Gall to the employees including police/army not to obey the undemocratic orders.

(6) Judgments of Allahabad High Court setting aside the election or Indira Gandhi.

All these led to the atmosphere of distrust against Indira Gandhi which hurriedly tried to save her position by imposing emergency.