Indira Gandhi – The Iron Lady of India
Introduction
Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India to date, remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in Indian political history. Her leadership, bold decisions, and unwavering commitment to her country earned her both admiration and criticism, yet her legacy continues to shape Indian politics decades after her assassination. This article explores her life, political career, achievements, challenges, and lasting impact.
Early Life and Education
Indira Priyadarshini Nehru was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, into a politically prominent family. She was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, who would later become India’s first Prime Minister, and Kamala Nehru, a freedom fighter. Growing up during India’s struggle for independence, Indira was exposed to politics at an early age. Her father was frequently imprisoned by the British colonial government for his involvement in the independence movement.
Indira’s education began in India and later continued in Europe. She studied at Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal and later moved to Oxford University in England, where she studied at Somerville College. Though her academic performance was average, her education gave her a broader world view and exposed her to different political ideologies.
Entry into Politics
Indira Gandhi’s formal political career began after India's independence in 1947. Initially, she served as her father’s personal assistant when he became Prime Minister. Through this role, she gained valuable experience in governance and diplomacy. After Nehru's death in 1964, Indira became a member of Rajya Sabha, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, who succeeded Nehru as Prime Minister, appointed her as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
Shastri’s sudden death in 1966 created a leadership vacuum in the Congress Party. With support from senior leaders who saw her as a "weak" candidate they could control, Indira was chosen as the Prime Minister. However, they underestimated her resolve.
First Term as Prime Minister (1966–1977)
Consolidation of Power
Indira Gandhi quickly proved she was not a puppet. She asserted control over the government and the Congress Party, leading to a split in the party in 1969. She formed a new faction called Congress (R), which became dominant in Indian politics.
Bank Nationalization
One of her most popular and bold decisions came in 1969 when she nationalized 14 major commercial banks. This move was aimed at ensuring that banking services reached the rural poor and was seen as a step toward economic equality.
Abolition of Privy Purses
She also abolished the privy purses (payments made to former princes of India), asserting that India was a democratic republic and not a land of royal privileges. This won her support from the masses but created friction with powerful interest groups.
1971 War and the Creation of Bangladesh
Indira Gandhi’s leadership was tested during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, which led to the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. Her decision to support the Bangladeshi independence movement and provide refuge to millions of Bengali refugees was both humanitarian and strategic.
Her victory in the war made her a national hero and earned her the title "Durga", a Hindu goddess symbolizing power.
The Emergency (1975–1977)
This period remains one of the most controversial in India’s democratic history.
Reasons Behind the Emergency
In 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice and invalidated her 1971 election victory. Instead of resigning, she declared a state of emergency on June 25, 1975, citing threats to national security and internal stability.
Actions During the Emergency
During the 21-month Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, opposition leaders were jailed, press freedom was curtailed, and the government carried out forced sterilization campaigns and slum clearances.
Her son, Sanjay Gandhi, who had no official position in government, rose to prominence and was seen as exercising undue influence over the administration.
Though the Emergency helped in implementing efficiency and reducing strikes and crime temporarily, it severely damaged India’s democratic institutions and her reputation.
Election Defeat in 1977
In 1977, Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency and called for general elections, believing her popularity remained intact. However, the people voted her out, and the Janata Party formed the government. It was a stunning fall from grace.
Return to Power and Second Term (1980–1984)
After a brief exile from power, Indira Gandhi staged a political comeback in 1980, when the Janata government fell apart due to internal divisions. She returned as Prime Minister and again took control of national politics.
Tragedy: Death of Sanjay Gandhi
In June 1980, her younger son and political heir, Sanjay Gandhi, died in a plane crash. This was a personal and political blow to Indira. She later brought her elder son, Rajiv Gandhi, into politics.
Punjab Crisis and Operation Blue Star
One of the most significant events during her second term was the rising Sikh separatist movement in Punjab. The situation worsened when Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a militant religious leader, and his followers took shelter in the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine.
In June 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star, a military operation to flush out militants from the Golden Temple. Though the mission succeeded militarily, it led to massive outrage among Sikhs worldwide due to the desecration of their sacred site.
Assassination
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. Her assassination led to nationwide riots, especially in Delhi, where thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed.
Her death marked the end of an era and plunged the nation into mourning.
Legacy
Indira Gandhi's legacy is complex and debated.
Positive Legacy
- Empowerment of Women: As the first female Prime Minister of India, she broke gender barriers and became a symbol of female leadership globally.
- Strong Leadership: Her decisions during the 1971 war and her ability to make tough calls reflected political strength.
- Pro-Poor Policies: Programs like Garibi Hatao (Eradicate Poverty) and bank nationalization aimed at reducing economic inequality.
Criticism
- Emergency Period: Seen as a dark phase for Indian democracy.
- Authoritarian Tendencies: Concentration of power and suppression of dissent raised concerns about democratic values.
- Dynastic Politics: She laid the foundation for the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, which continues to influence Indian politics.
Conclusion
Indira Gandhi was a towering figure in Indian and world politics. She led India during some of its most turbulent times and made decisions that continue to influence the country’s political landscape. Her boldness, political acumen, and resilience made her a powerful leader, while her controversial decisions reflect the complexity of governance in a vast and diverse democracy like India.
Whether hailed as a visionary leader or criticized for authoritarianism, Indira Gandhi remains one of the most significant and unforgettable personalities in Indian history.