Question

'In Indian politics, the period from the year 1952 to 1966 is called the period of one-party dominance.' Do you agree with this statement?

Hint:

The period from 1952–1966 = One-party dominance under Congress, but the rise of regional movements and discontent foreshadowed change.

Answer 1

The period from 1952 to 1966 in Indian politics is often referred to as the era of one-party dominance, primarily because the Indian National Congress (INC) was the dominant political force during this period. Several reasons contribute to this view: 1. Congress' Electoral Success:
In the first three general elections (1952, 1957, and 1962), the Congress party won landslide victories, securing a significant majority in the Lok Sabha. The party maintained a strong grip on power in both the central and state governments.
2. Absence of Strong Opposition:
During this period, the opposition parties were fragmented and weak. The Communist Party and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the predecessor of the BJP) were not yet in a position to challenge Congress effectively. This lack of a cohesive opposition allowed Congress to dominate the political landscape.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru’s Leadership:
The leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru played a critical role in consolidating Congress' position. Nehru’s charismatic leadership, along with his policies of planned development, social reforms, and non-alignment, gained him wide support. His vision for the future of India resonated with a large section of the population.
4. National Integration and Development:
The period from 1952 to 1966 also saw the successful integration of princely states, the framing of the Indian Constitution, and the establishment of key democratic institutions. Congress was credited with leading the country through its formative years of nation-building.
5. Emergence of Regional Political Movements:
However, the dominance of Congress began to decline towards the mid-1960s with the rise of regional political movements. Discontent over economic challenges, social inequalities, and leadership struggles within the Congress party started to weaken its hold over the nation.
Conclusion:
Yes, the period from 1952 to 1966 can be called the period of one-party dominance in Indian politics, but it was marked by the growing discontent that eventually led to political fragmentation and a shift in the balance of power. The period saw the Indian National Congress asserting its control over the Indian political landscape, but the seeds for a more competitive multi-party system were also sown.