Indira Gandhi and Political Centralization
- Indira Gandhi reshaped India through strong central leadership, economic interventionism and controversial emergency powers, leaving a long-lasting political legacy.
- Indira strengthened the office of the Prime Minister, reducing the autonomy of state governments and the Congress Party.
- She nationalized major banks in 1969 to increase state control over credit and support rural development.
- Economic problems grew in the 1970s, including inflation, unemployment and slow agricultural growth.
- The Emergency (1975–1977) suspended civil liberties and press freedom, reshaping India’s democratic institutions.
- Rising regional tensions, especially in Punjab, increased security challenges.
The Emergency (1975–1977)
Causes and Justifications
- Indira faced legal challenges after her election was declared invalid by the Allahabad High Court.
- Mass protests by Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement demanded political reforms and her resignation.
- Indira declared a national emergency, citing threats to national stability and security.
- The Emergency enabled rule by decree, limiting judicial and press independence.
- Political opponents were arrested under preventive detention laws.
Impact and Consequences
- Civil liberties were suspended, and the government imposed strict media censorship.
- Forced sterilization campaigns and slum clearances caused widespread public anger.
- The Emergency damaged India’s democratic reputation but also expanded state capacity.
- Indira’s defeat in the 1977 election demonstrated strong public rejection of authoritarianism.
- It became a turning point highlighting the fragility and resilience of Indian
Definition
Preventive detention
Imprisonment without trial for security or political reasons.
Definition
Centralization
Concentration of political authority in the national government.
Rajiv Gandhi and Technology-Driven Modernization
- Rajiv Gandhi attempted to modernize India through technological development, political reform and outreach to global powers, but faced rising ethnic and security crises.
- Rajiv promoted computerization, telecommunications growth and economic liberalization.
- He attempted to reduce corruption and reform bureaucracy but faced resistance.
