Question

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The opposition to Emergency could keep the Janata Party together only for a while. Its critics felt that the Janata Party lacked direction, leadership, and a common programme. The Janata Party Government could not bring about a fundamental change in policies from those pursued by the Congress. The Janata Party split, and the government, which was led by Morarji Desai lost its majority in less than 18 months. Another government headed by Charan Singh was formed on the assurance of the support of the Congress party.

1. In which year did the Janata Party government come to power?
2. Analyse any two reasons responsible for the split of the Janata Party.
3. Why could the Charan Singh government remain in power for just about four months only?

Answer 1

1. The Janata Party government came to power following the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.
2. 1. The Janata Party declared the 1977 Lok Sabha elections a referendum on the Emergency. They had no real objective other than to overthrow the Congress Party, and more specifically, the late Indira Gandhi. It proved the government to be inefficient.
   2. Furthermore, the Janata Party was made up of various parties with different ideas and viewpoints. It increased the conflict between Mr. Morarji Desai, Mr. Jagjivan Ram, and Mr. Charan Singh, who competed for the position of Prime Minister.
      All of the issues listed above contributed to the Janata Government’s downfall following the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.
3. The Charan Singh government was formed with the Congress’s support, but it eventually withdrew its backing, leading to its collapse after just four months.