The daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, served as the 3rd Prime Minister of India from January 22, 1966, to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination on October 31, 1984. Her tenure as India’s PM was marked by both significant achievements and controversial decisions. She played an important role in shaping India’s political identity during a crucial period. In this article, I am going to outline both the positive and negative aspects of Indira Gandhi’s impact as a PM, which have had and continue to have lasting effects on the country’s political and social structure.
1966-1977: Indira Gandhi’s Early Years as Indian Prime Minister
In 1966, on January 22, Indira Gandhi assumed office as the Prime Minister of India following the sudden demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Green Revolution: One of the most notable achievements during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as the PM of India was the successful implementation of the Green Revolution in the late 1960s and 1970s. Launched with the aim of increasing agricultural productivity, the Green Revolution introduced high-yielding hybrid seeds for wheat and rice.
It also prioritized modern agricultural techniques and irrigation. This agricultural transformation increased food production and self-sufficiency, addressing India’s chronic food shortages. By 1971, food grain production in India soared by 37%, reducing net food imports from 10.3 million tons in 1966 to 3.6 million in 1970. Agricultural investment surged, doubling institutional finance between 1968 and 1973.
Nationalization of Banks (1969): Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 major private banks, a move directed at reducing economic inequality and increasing access to credit for farmers and small business owners. This step had a significant impact on India’s economic structure. The 14 private banks that were nationalized include Allahabad Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Syndicate Bank, UCO Bank, Punjab National Bank, United Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Dena Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, and Union Bank.
Garibi Hatao Campaign: As part of the 5th five-year plan, Indira Gandhi led her administration under the theme and slogan “Garibi Hatao Desh Bachao” during the 1971 election campaign. The campaign proposed anti-poverty programs to unite rural and urban poor, transcending traditional caste and class barriers. Its major goals included poverty eradication, achieving self-reliance through a high growth rate, improving income distribution, and considerable growth in domestic savings.
The plan also focused on increasing employment and self-reliance in agricultural production. It sought to empower previously marginalized groups, including Dalits and Adivasis, symbolizing a concerted effort to uplift the voiceless and build political worth and weight for impoverished segments of society.
Victory in Indo-Pak War: In 1971, India achieved a decisive victory in the Indo-Pak war leading to the formation of Bangladesh. Escalating political and ethnic tensions between East and West Pakistan resulted in a humanitarian crisis, causing a massive influx of refugees into India. The Prime Minister of India was challenged to manage this crisis and respond to international pressure concerning the atrocities committed by the Pakistan military in its eastern region.
India entered the scene with a decisive military campaign on December 3, 1971. The war concluded on December 16, 1971, with the surrender of Pakistani forces and the birth of Bangladesh. The diplomatic efforts shown by Indira Gandhi were crucial in maintaining international support for India’s cause, reshaping South Asia’s geopolitical structure, and elevating India’s standing on the global stage.
Pokhran I Nuclear Test: Indira Gandhi pursued the development of India’s nuclear capabilities, culminating in its first successful nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in 1974. The test marked India’s entry into the nuclear club and led to a massive rise in Indira Gandhi’s popularity nationwide.
Emergency Period: Declared on June 25, 1975, by Indira Gandhi, the Emergency Period stands as one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy. The imposition of the emergency period was based on the reasoning that there were imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, political opponents were arrested, and censorship was imposed.
The move was widely criticized as an abuse of power and an assault on democratic values. It was eventually lifted in 1977 following widespread protests, leading to the restoration of democratic processes. The imposition of the Emergency and subsequent actions raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. Critics often point to Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian style of governance, centralization of power, and suppression of political dissent as manifestations of this move.
1980-1984: Indira Gandhi’s Return to Power for the Second Term
Securing a conclusive electoral win, Indira Gandhi returned to power as the PM of India after the Janata Party government’s term.
Operation Blue Star: The concept of Khalistan emerged after the partition of India, with Punjab being divided due to the newly established border. In 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star in response to escalating Sikh militancy associated with the emerging Khalistan separatist movement at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. The military action resulted in significant casualties, including civilians, and strained communal relations. The history behind Operation Blue Star reflects a complex interplay of political, religious, and regional factors, contributing to the broader context of the Khalistan movement.
Indira Gandhi’s Assassination: Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, leading to a period of political uncertainty.
Anti-Sikh Riots: Following Indira Gandhi’s assassination, violent anti-Sikh riots erupted in various parts of the country. Thousands of Sikhs were killed during the agitation, and there were allegations of state complicity. This event remains a dark stain on her legacy, resulting in significant loss of life and property.