Question

Analyse any four factors that enhanced the popularity of Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s.

Hint:

Indira Gandhi's popularity grew through a combination of strong leadership in times of crisis and her focus on socio-economic reforms.

Answer 1

Several factors contributed to Indira Gandhi's popularity in the early 1970s:
1. Leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War: Indira Gandhi's leadership during the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, significantly enhanced her popularity. Her decisive action in leading India to victory was widely appreciated both nationally and internationally.
2. The Green Revolution: The introduction of the Green Revolution in India during her tenure brought about a significant increase in food production, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This helped India become self-sufficient in food grains, thus winning her the support of farmers and rural India.
3. Implementation of Policies for the Welfare of the Poor: Indira Gandhi's emphasis on pro-poor policies, such as the abolition of privy purses and land reforms, endeared her to the poorer sections of society. The slogan "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty) became a central theme of her political campaigns.
4. Centralisation of Power and Authoritarian Style: During the early 1970s, she adopted a more centralised approach to governance, consolidating power in the hands of the executive. This created an aura of authority and decisiveness that won her the loyalty of the bureaucracy, military, and political allies.