Question

Throw light on the movements of Gujarat and Bihar in the 1970s.

Hint:

Remember: Gujarat’s Nav Nirman Movement brought down a state government, while Bihar’s JP Movement called for “Total Revolution” and shaped national politics leading to the Emergency.

Answer 1

The 1970s in India witnessed powerful student and youth-led movements in states like Gujarat and Bihar. These movements reflected the rising anger of people against corruption, unemployment, price rise, and inefficiency of governments. They became a symbol of mass awakening and paved the way for larger political changes in India.
1. Gujarat Movement (Nav Nirman Movement):
- In 1973–74, students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising food prices and corruption in colleges and government offices.
- The movement quickly spread to urban and rural areas, gaining support from teachers, traders, and professionals.
- It became known as the “Nav Nirman Movement” meaning “reconstruction movement.”
- Massive protests forced the resignation of the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chimanbhai Patel, in 1974.
- This was the first time in Independent India that a powerful non-violent student movement brought down a state government.
2. Bihar Movement:
- Around the same time, students in Bihar also rose in protest against unemployment, corruption, and inflation.
- The agitation in Bihar was led by the veteran Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan (JP).
- Popularly called the “JP Movement”, it transformed into a demand for “Total Revolution” (Sampoorna Kranti).
- It united students, middle-class citizens, and political opponents of the ruling Congress.
- The movement grew so powerful that it challenged the authority of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and became a major reason for the Emergency (1975–77).
Conclusion:
The Gujarat and Bihar movements were not just local agitations, but turning points in Indian politics. They exposed government corruption and demonstrated the strength of student-led, people’s movements. The Bihar movement, in particular, changed the course of national politics by directly challenging central authority.