Question

Review the failures of the Janata Government (1977 – 1979).

Answer 1

Failures of the Janata Party Government (1977-79):

1. There were internal conflicts and a struggle for power within the party leadership. By the end of 1977, the Janata Party started losing public support due to poor administration and failure to properly implement its policies. It also lacked a common socio-economic programme.
2. Landlords committed atrocities against Dalits, and the Janata government was unable to control the growing assertiveness of the Dalits. Violence between Hindus and Muslims increased again. Communal clashes, strikes, and unrest also spread to university campuses.
3. The government’s economic policies were weak. It focused mainly on small-scale industries, decentralisation, and giving subsidies to wealthy farmers. The economy began to stagnate, and serious droughts in some regions reduced agricultural output during 1978-79.
4. By 1978, the different ideologies within the Janata Party caused frequent disputes among its members. The communal policies of the Jana Sangh almost brought the government to a standstill at both the central and state levels.
5. Charan Singh’s ineffective budget and rising inflation further weakened the government. He lost the majority support when Indira Gandhi withdrew her backing.
6. The government failed to prove most of the charges and cases filed against Mrs. Gandhi, which instead created sympathy for her among the people.