POLITICAL HISTORY NOTESPOST INDEPENDENCE

REFERENCE-BIPIN CHANDRA
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU 1951-1964
Challenges before Nehru- to achieve massive reconstruction of polity and
economy, advancement towards basic objectives of democracy, civil
liberties, secularism, a scientific and international outlook, planning with
socialism, to alleviate poverty and unemployment, land reforms,
consolidation of the nation, solutions of language and tribal problem, form
a new electoral policy and independent foreign policy
NOTE-(I am not giving consolidation history as I think it is already
sent in previous competition.)
How he proceeded?
1951-1952 first general election held on basis of universal adult
franchise(21 or + age)
Some critics said a backward country like India can only suited to
benevolent dictatorship.
Election held according to directive principles and independent election
commission as also made.
Sukumar Sen was appointed as first chief election commissioner.
Peoples response to new political order was tremendous.
Establishment of democratic institution
Press having free play even when it criticized government severely.
Even court was independent when it turned down legislation of agrarian
reform.
Both ruling and opposition parties played its role well in parliament.
Nehru put states and centre at cordial terms hence he did not force states
to effect land reform just to keep federalism strong.(only president rule in
Kerala in 1959 was exception)
But this tendency somehow harmed to the subjects of health, education,
agricultural in states.
Although Nehru at the same time made centre strong and even it was easy
to do this as ruling part was same in both centre and states.
Nehru kept states supremacy over military as he was worried with its coup
in Pakistan France and Germany.(hence low expenditure on it)
Nehru was critic of bureaucracy and ics but gradually he understood the
Patel and accepted the administration system.
This was also a time when evil of corruption started in India.
His major achievement in field of science. First national science laboratory
and national physical laboratory was laid on in 1947.
In 1952 first of five institute of technology was set up on patterned of
Massachusetts IT
India was country of the world to recognize importance of nuclear energy
in constructing measures hence set up a ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION in
1948with HOMI J. BHABHA. Latter on separate deptt. Was laid on.
Asias first nuclear reactor was set up in trombay (Bombay)
In 1962 space research started by setting up IDIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
FOR SPACE RESEARCH AND ROCKET LAUNCHING FACILITY AT THUMBA.
Krishna menon as defence min. initiated defence research.
Under the article 36 of DPSP welfare policy is promoted on socialistic
pattern of society.
This phrase was officially accepted by congress session at avadi and latter
on adopted in the objective of third five year plan.
Land reforms, planned economy development, rapid expansion of public
sector, labor legislation, right to form trade union , go on strike, security of
employment, provision of health insurance, distribution of wealth through
progressive taxes, expansion of education etc.
Anti untouchability law in 1955, reservation in education and employment
for sc/sts.
1951 Hindu code bill in favor of women demands for right. However due to
protest from jansangh and Hindu communal sectors bill was passed in four
separate parts in the second term of Nehru.
Bill introduced monogamy, right of divorce to both men and women, raised
the age of consent and marriage and gave right to maintenance and to
inherit family property.
But a uniform civil code could not be enacted (shahbano case)
In 1951 literacy was only 16.6%(6% in rural)
Vast efforts were done b government that increased enrollment in primary
secondary education in both girls and boys.
By 1964 total no of universities were increased from 18 to 54.
But behind the success story major weakness was decline in educational
standards
Target of free and compulsory education was shifted from 1961 to 1966 and
then to distant future.
For rural uplift community development and panchayati raj institution
program was started in 1952 and 1959.(much cooperated by U.S. during
cold war)
Despite of good results it was suffered with bureaucracy.(hence balwant rai
committee in 1957)
On the recommendation from 1959 panchayati raj was adopted as self gov
ernance in all over country trough three level system
But cooperative movement and these programs could not succeed
according to expectation as it ignored the class division of Indian society so
major benefits were reached to only upper class.
FOREIGN POLICY OF NEHRU
Nehru realized that India should speak in her own voice on current
situations.
Hence NAM came in row. At the same time India neither joined Bagdad
pact, manila treaty, SEATO, CENTO WHICH JOINED THE COUNTRIES OF
WEST AND EAST ASIA TO THE WESTERN power BLOC.
But NAM was not immoral neutrality it was a freedom to decide what was
right or wrong then take stand in favour of right.
We helped Indonesia from Dutch colonies in 1948 then participated in A
fro-Asian conference.
In 1961 Belgrade conference it supported disarmament and peace
The major aim of our policy was to promote interest of Indian economy
hence we maintained good relation with both U.S. (technology in green
revolution) and SOVIET UNION (largest arm exporter).
Active membership in various UN body IMF WORLD BANK etc and in
peacekeeping force and in commonwealth institution.
LAL BAHADUR SASHTRI (1964 -1966)
After the death of Nehru there were two main contenders for pm post. But
shastri made it with the support of k. kamaraj, the congress president.
Shastri was widely accepted in the party as he was more amenable to their
wishes and not challenge their leadership in the party.
Shastri with his calm character did not make any change in Nehrus
cabinet.(except Indira Gandhi, minister of information and broadcasting)
Challenges-Problem of official language of Hindi versus English flared up in
1965 nut due to government incapability it finally solved in 1966. Demand of
Punjabi Suba and Goas merger with Maharashtra was allowed to simmer. Our
economy was stagnating. Slow rate growth of industry and b.o.p problem but
major one is food shortage.
C.M. of food surplus states denied helping in food crisis situation. Even US
suspended to import due to indo-Pakistan war.
Despite of creating State Food Trading Corporation and statutory rationing,
no result came. However strategy of green revolution was come which
fully implemented in Mrs. Gandhis period.
Shastri was criticized for his thin decision power under pressure of
cabinet.
But after some time shastri showed his independence as government first
criticized the US bombing of N. VIETNAM
He set his own pms secretary L.K. JHA
Real challenge came in 1965 during indo-Pakistan war (Pakistan
demanding for Kashmir)
In 1965 followers of Saikh Abdullah and other dissident leaders created a
great deal of unrest there(Pakistan thought it was a right time even it was
supported by US and India was not completely come over after 1962 war)
However once war started BRITEN US cut off arms food and other supplies
to both the countries and china called India as aggressor but soviet union
kept supporting India even in UN.
Under pressure of UN ceasefire was put on. India recovered its pride and
self confidence which was lost in 1962 war.
The good news was that infiltrators did not get support of Kashmiri people.
And secularism was maintained during war (Muslim, Sikh, christens all
fought against Pakistan army)
Shastri became national hero.
TASHKENT AGREEMENT- IN 1966 subsequent to the ceasefire agreement
and under the good offices of the Soviet Union Shastri and Pakistan
president Ayub Khan met in here and signed declaration acc to which both
sides agreed to withdraw from all occupied areas and return to their
pre-war august positions. In the case of India it meant withdrawing from
strategic Haji Pir pass through which Pakistan infiltrators could come
again. Shastri had to agree this unfavorable terms to avoid war and losing
soviet support on Kashmiri issue in UN and in supply of defence equipment
especially MIG planes and heavy tanks.
Shastri got tragic heart attack in Tashkent.
INDIRA GANDHI 1966- 1969
After shastri death there was again Morarji Desai as a pm contender but
due to his unpopularity in party Kaamraj gave support to Mrs. Gandhi
thinking that young and inexperienced women would easy to dominate.
CHALLENGES Punjab was on boil, Naga issue and Mizo trouble, economy
recession export and industrial growth was declining, failed monsoon in
year 1966, drought, inflation, and famine in E.UP BIHAR, Pakistan-china
axis led to sharp rise in military expenditure, budget deficient growing and
endangering of fourth five year plan
Demand of Punjabi Suba and Nagas for autonomy was accepted then
successfully dealt with drought situation
Under pressure of US (PL 480-import of food grains) and IMF(aid stopped
after indo-Pakistan war) she devalued rupee by 35.6% to increase
export(although decision created criticism)
However decision was not proved to be successful.
She remained silent on Vietnam issue in world politics after being
humiliated by US time to time in matter of its export of wheat.
Her latter signed joint agreement with soviet to end US bombing on
Vietnam and not joined even Asian forum as it was supported by US.
Unfortunately she had to run away from US proposal of its funding of
indo-American educational foundation.
She developed links with Egypt and Yugoslavia to strengthen NAM. Even
she tried to have a dialogue with china but not succeed.
She even faced agitation demonstration student strike riots with a new
feature of bandh of city due to increasing disparity.
By taking it full advantage opposition Jan Sangh left parties communist
criticized government.(matter of banning beef eating was put up by Jan S
angh but government stood firm against it)
Year 1966 saw beginning of downslide of parliament(she was often called a
gungi gudia by opposition leader Mr. Lohia)
Once after election of 1966 Mrs. Gandhi reassumed as a pm(despite of
people dissatisfaction with the congress they did not have another option
till now as opposition parties did not raise any social agenda. their only aim
was to defeat Mrs. Gandhi )
After this first time the role of rich and middle peasant was increased in
Indian politics which hated congress and communist. They controlled the
rural vote by their muscle and money power. They wanted control over
land. (In north UP BIHAR PUNJAB parties like BKD AKALI DAL SSP were
formed. However in south communist presence kept rural landowner tied
to congress)
This election also started era of coalition government though CPM did not
join this. Even congress did this in some states. All these started defection
in politics.
In spite of all Mrs. Gandhi emerged as central power, she made Mr. Desai a
deputy PM with a mere status.
Year 1969 congress moved towards split. New phase of left over politics
stated.
THE NAXALITES-CPM originally was spilt from CPI in 1964 on ground of
revolutionary politics and reformist parliamentary politics. Usually CPM
participated in parliamentary politics and formed coalition government in
WB with bangle congress, with JYOTI BASU, the CPM leader. Soon one
section of the party (young cadres inspired by Chinese method) revolted
against party leadership and its reformist attitude. They were turned out of
the party but they started their movement under leadership of CHARU
MAJUMDAR and formed CP-ML in 1969. They launched peasant uprising in
Naxalbari village. Thus they were called Naxalities.
INDIRA GANDHI 1969-1973
CHALLENGES- slowing down of economy growth, domestic saving, rate of
investment, US aid, increasing black money, corruption, unrest among
country middle class, emergence of new action gherao. The Syndicate
members were joined by Mr. Desai. This team did not allow Mrs. Gandhi to
appoint her member in working committee.
She did calm and calculated reaction as she did not want to jeopardize
party unity.
Soon in 1967 she adopted 10 point program-social control of banks,
nationalization of general insurance, state trading in import and export
trade, ceilings on urban property and income, curb on business monopolies
and concentration of economic power, public distribution of food grain, rapid
implementations of land reforms, provision of house sites to the rural poor
and abolition of princely purse.(although congress was leaned to vague
radicalism but after 1967 election there was tilt to left)
However the old right wing did not accept it but she remained firmed.
She again went against her part for making GIRI as president.
MRTP act 1969 to check concentration of economic power.
By all her efforts she once again initiated a climate of optimism.
Her GARIBI HATAO was more powerful than opposition INDIRA HATAO.
As a result in 1971 election she restored party position
CHALLENGE OF BANGLADESH- there was Punjabi speaking Muslim living in
West Pakistan and Bengali speaking Muslim in East Pakistan. Soon West Pakistan
acquired a dominant position in Pakistans army, polity, bureaucracy, economy
resulting discrimination in East Pakistan. Moreover there was absence of political
mechanism but gradually they got sense of power of democracy that gave them
majority of seats in Pakistan assembly elections under leadership of Sheikh
Mujibur Rehman of Awami League party. But Pakistan general Yahya Khan
backed Zulfiqar Bhutto of West Pakistan. Hence a West Pakistan army initiated
reign of terror. Rape killing burning of crops was happened. Migration was stared
from East Pakistan to Calcutta and formed Mukti Vahini. Mrs. Gandhi knew that
war any action against Pakistan could create bad image for her in world politics
but problem of migrated refugees was increasing burden on Indias food stock
and economy. Even if she took action she had to wait for a right time as military
operation could not be done in monsoon season in East Pakistan and Himalayan
passes would help Chinese aid to Pakistan. And moreover mukti vahini was not
well prepared till now even was being trained by Indian army.
So for next four months she tried to gather a world political support for her.
US-CHINA stood against her in UN but she soon declared indo-soviet peace
friendship cooperation treaty for next 20 years.
On 3 december war was started from pakistans side as Mrs. Gandhi wanted. And
under leadership of general J.S. Arora we defeated pakistan and Bangladesh was
created and pakistan freed Mr. rahman who became PM of Bangladesh on 1972.
In year 1972 having left-of-centre agenda initially she did not proceed with
further nationalization
24
th
and 25
th
amendment was done in 1971 (Gorakhnath case)
1974 pokhran test
J.P. MOVEMENT AND ENERGENCY- by the beginning of 1973 her image
started declining as problem of inflation growth down etc again came in
picture
Gujrat and Bihar having unrest due to price hike in 1974. Even president
rule was imposed there then fast of Mr. desai led to dissolve of Gujrat
assembly. Bihar movement was led by j.p. narayan. The famous total
revolution and party less government movement was started.
As the movement grew it attracted non left parties students socialist
traders middle class support from all over country. But at the end of 1974
the movement got slow as it could not be popular among rural and urban
class.
On 12 June 1975 justice Sinha of high court convicted Mrs. Gandhi for
having indulged in corrupt campaign practices and declared her election
invalid. At the same time janta dal won in Gujarat assembly election. Now J
P and opposition parties made coalition and called for nationwide one
week campaign of mass mobilization and civil disobedience on 29 June.
And thus Mrs. Gandhi posed emergency on 26 June. (Although both J P
and Indira did not choose democratic way)
From mid 1976 people started disillusioned with the emergency. In starting
those control over black marketing was now becoming slowed down and
price hike was started. Press censorship, power of policegiri was
increasing. The twenty point agenda was failed and sanjay Gandhi was
becoming popular. And his four points of family planning, pant tress,
clearing sums, dont take dowry was implemented with cruelty. Congress
also adopted sterilization agenda forcefully.
All these was becoming intolerable for nation hence on 18 january 1977
Mrs. Gandhi announced election of loksabha and emergency was removed.
She got defeated. Janta dal came in power with Mr. desai as a PM.
MORARJI DESAI 1977-1979
CHALLENGES- economic situations, social justice, administration, communal
violence etc
Failed in many challenges except its rural employment program food for
work.
Congress was split in 1978 a) congress (I) and congress (U).
Congress (i) under indra got revival very soon.
She again came in power in 1977. Old jan sangh leaders leaving janta dal
form BJP.
INDRA GANDHI 1980-1984
She immediately dissolved nine states assemblies in opposition ruled
states.
She succeeded in planning, foreign policies (tilting to US), economic
liberalization, and growth over 4%.
On 31th October 1984 she was assassinated.
RAJIV GANDHI 1984-1989
CHALLENGES- 1984 riots, Bhopal gas tragedy etc
He already showed his capability in 1982 Asian games.
With the support of his friend and advisor on technology mission Mr. Sam
Pitroda(set up C-DOT), he initiated his 6 technology mission and arrival of
millennium was set as target date.
Drinking water mission in all the villages, literacy mission by using
television radio, immunization of pregnant women and children(polio),
white revolution, expanding edible oil production, to bring telephone in
every village
His computerization program was even criticized by left.
Local self government was strengthen
Jawahar rozgar yojna for rural poor was initiated(now MGNREGA)
New education policy-NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA
National perspective plan for women-30% reservation in all panchayati raj
bodies, dowry related offences was passed in 1986
First time environment project-clean the river Ganga plan launched, new
ministry of environment and environment clearance was created.
Set up 7 zonal cultural centers in different part of countries to encourage
regional culture
Anti defection act 1985 was passed
Concept of lok adalat and consumer protection act was started
Encouragement to programs critical to government
FOREIGN POLICY-
indira had formed 6 nation 5 continents initiative, its first meeting was
held in his time.
Disarmament issue was put on his agenda like his ancestors
Supported de-colonialism (Namibia independence), nelson Mandela
movement
As US committed to support Pakistan to promote Mujahidin against USSR,
he did not tilt to it
He was after Nehru, visited china. India even refrained from condemning
Tiananmen square massacre of 1989
At the same time Bangladesh was moving in Islamic direction, Nepal was
imposing heavy duties on Indian imports and discounts to Chinese import,
Maldives was having coup, Pakistan was in same tone
Sri Lanka problem was major. As many Tamils were fleeing to tamilnadu.
The government of Sri Lanka launched repression in Jaffna, base of LITTE.
TN government was pressuring on central to take action against this. (
Refugee having Tamil as language). Sri Lankan president Jayavardhane
-Rajiv accord 1987 was held according to which Tamils majority areas
were merged into single province in there. Devolution of power would
take place. LITTE would be dissolved and Indian army would aid sri lanka
if she is needed but it was failed as LITTE did not accept it. In the mean
time Jayavardhane asked Indian army to help so situation became messy
as LITTE having local support and moreover just then Premadasa
succeeded Jayavardhane and asked Indian army to withdraw. Finally the
LITTE issue caused Rajivs death.
India negotiated with Vietnam to withdrawal it from Cambodia.
He promote compact version of G77 as G15
Doubling of defence expenditure, guided missile development program
initiated by Mrs. Gandhi showed results, AGNI PRATHVI NUCLEARED
POWER SUBMARINE were come in picture
Bofors scandal caught his image that caused him loose in election and V.P.
Singh came in power. (But not for long time, then charan singh, p.v. rao,
h.d. devgauda all came for short time.)
ATAL BIHARI BAJPAYEE 1998-2004
CHALLENGES- communal agenda pushed by VHP, RSS, bajrang dal, ayodhya
issue Gujarat issue, THELKA issue scandal , price hike
The largest coalition government 13 party was formed under Bajpayee
leadership.
Communal agenda was put on back burner.
Pokhran 2 test in 1998 though US and CHINA much criticized it and banned
nuclear supply to it even India did not sign NPT and CTBT
India developed its defence under super guidance of Mr. Kalam as Pakistan
was developing its long range missile ghuri and US military base in
Diageo Garcia in Hind Ocean and Chinese infiltration was increasing.
India successfully won in kargil.
Kandahar incident was also held
Agra summit and Lahore bus sewa program for confidence building
measures with Pakistan was also initiated in this phase although not much
succeeded
Indo-US nuclear deal was major mile.
India became partner in SAARC
In LPG era FDI was also pushed in retail.
Foreign policy with central Asia (Iraq and Israel) became improved after
look to east policy under which it opposed Dutch colonialism in Indonesia.
But the decision of pre election could not save NDA in election after its
INDIA SHINING
MANMOHAN SINGH 2004-TILL NOW
Congress came in power
POTA was repealed. NAC was set up
Set up a new ministry of minority affairs, a Sacher committee was formed
to review minority section.
Introduced communal violence bill
But a paradigm shift was to right based bill and policies
RTI, NERGA, RTE etc were leap forward.
NEHA SRIVASTAVA