CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Solutions: Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System

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This chapter delves into the significant political transformations in India following the 1967 elections, focusing on the challenges faced by the dominant Congress system and its subsequent restoration. It examines the electoral outcomes of 1967, where the Congress experienced a notable decline in state-level power despite retaining a majority at the center. The solutions explore the rise of opposition parties, the phenomenon of defections, and the impact of various slogans and political alliances like the Grand Alliance of 1971. Furthermore, it discusses strategies for resolving internal party differences and analyzes the reasons behind the Congress's electoral setbacks. These NCERT Solutions provide a clear, step-by-step understanding of the complex political dynamics of the era, aiding students in their exam preparation by clarifying key events and concepts.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectPolitical Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterPart 2 - 5. Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System

Chapter summary

Chapter 5 of the Class 12 Political Science NCERT Solutions focuses on the critical period of challenges to the Congress system's dominance in India. It covers the 1967 elections, the rise of opposition, the concept of 'Aya Ram Gaya Ram' (defections), and the significance of political slogans. The solutions also analyze the formation and impact of the Grand Alliance in 1971 and explore methods for internal party conflict resolution. Finally, it examines the factors contributing to the Congress party's electoral performance and its subsequent restoration.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the electoral results of the 1967 general elections and their impact on the Congress system.
  • Identify key political slogans and their associated leaders during the post-1967 era.
  • Analyze the reasons behind the Congress party's electoral challenges and its eventual restoration.
  • Explain the phenomenon of political defections and its consequences.
  • Evaluate different methods for resolving internal party disputes.
  • Comprehend the formation and objectives of political alliances like the Grand Alliance.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • 1967 Elections and Congress's Performance
  • Challenges to the Congress System
  • Restoration of the Congress System
  • Political Slogans (Jai Jawan Jai Kisan, Garibi Hatao)
  • Defections ('Aya Ram Gaya Ram')
  • The Syndicate
  • The Grand Alliance (1971)
  • Internal Party Democracy
  • Resolution of Internal Party Differences
  • Rise of Opposition Parties
  • Regionalism and Party Politics

Important topics

  • 1967 Elections and its Impact
  • Challenges to Congress Dominance
  • Role of Slogans in Politics
  • Phenomenon of Defections
  • Internal Party Dynamics and Democracy
  • The Grand Alliance of 1971

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Which of these statements about the 1967 elections is/are correct?
  1. Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in many states.
  2. Congress lost both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
  3. Congress lost majority in the Lok Sabha but formed a coalition government with the support of some other parties.
  4. Congress retained power at the Centre with an increased majority.
Solution: The correct statement is (a). In the 1967 general elections, the Indian National Congress, while retaining its majority in the Lok Sabha and thus power at the Centre, suffered significant losses in the state assembly elections. It failed to secure a majority in several states, leading to the formation of non-Congress governments, including coalition governments, in many of them. This marked a significant shift in India's political landscape.

Question 2

Match the following:
  1. Syndicate (i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket she/he has been elected.
  2. Defection (ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention.
  3. Slogan (iii) Parties with different ideological positions coming together to oppose Congress and its policies.
  4. Anti-Congressism (iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress.
Solution: Here is the correct matching:
  1. Syndicate - (iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress.
  2. Defection - (i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket she/he has been elected. This phenomenon was famously termed 'Aya Ram, Gaya Ram'.
  3. Slogan - (ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention and mobilizes support, like 'Garibi Hatao'.
  4. Anti-Congressism - (iii) Parties with different ideological positions coming together to oppose Congress and its policies, forming a united front against the dominant party.

Question 3

Whom would you identify with the following slogans/phrases?
  1. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
  2. Indira Hatao!
  3. Garibi Hatao!
Solution: The slogans and phrases are identified as follows:
  • Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan: This slogan was popularized by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, emphasizing the importance of soldiers and farmers for the nation's progress and security.
  • Indira Hatao!: This was a slogan often used by the opposition parties, particularly those who were critical of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership and policies. It was a rallying cry for those seeking to oust her from power.
  • Garibi Hatao!: This powerful slogan was championed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was a key element of her political campaign aimed at addressing poverty and socio-economic inequality in India.

Question 4

Which of the following statement about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is correct? The Grand Alliance...
  1. was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
  2. had a clear political and ideological programme.
  3. was formed by all non-Congress parties.
Solution: The correct statement is (a). The Grand Alliance of 1971 was a coalition primarily composed of non-Communist and non-Congress parties. These parties united with the common objective of defeating Indira Gandhi and the Congress party in the 1971 general elections. While they shared a common goal of opposing Congress, their individual political and ideological programmes were diverse, and not all non-Congress parties were part of this alliance.

Question 5

How should a political party resolve its internal differences? Here are some suggestions. Think of each and list out their advantages and shortcomings?
  1. Follow the footsteps of the party president
  2. Listen to the majority group
  3. Secret ballot voting on every issue
  4. Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party
Solution: Here's an analysis of the advantages and shortcomings of each suggestion for resolving internal party differences:
  1. Follow the footsteps of the party president
    • Advantage: This approach can ensure discipline, unity, and quick decision-making within the party, as there is a clear line of authority.
    • Shortcoming: It may weaken inner democracy by discouraging dissent and preventing the consideration of diverse viewpoints from party members, potentially leading to decisions that are not widely supported.
  2. Listen to the majority group
    • Advantage: This method strengthens inner democracy and ensures that the views of a larger segment of the party members are considered, fostering a sense of confidence and participation.
    • Shortcoming: It can potentially increase factionalism, as different groups might compete to gather majority support, and the concerns of minority groups might be overlooked.
  3. Secret ballot voting on every issue
    • Advantage: Secret ballot voting is considered a democratic process, allowing every member to express their opinion freely without fear of repriction, thus promoting genuine representation.
    • Shortcoming: Members might vote against the party's official stance or whip, potentially leading to outcomes detrimental to the party's unity and strategic goals.
  4. Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party
    • Advantage: This approach benefits less experienced members by leveraging the wisdom and guidance of seasoned leaders, ensuring more informed and strategic decisions.
    • Shortcoming: Over-reliance on senior leaders might consolidate their power and influence within the party, potentially stifling the growth and initiative of newer members and hindering broader democratic participation.

Question 6

State which of these were reasons for the defeat of the Congress in 1967. Give reasons for your answer?
  1. The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party.
  2. Split within the Congress party.
  3. Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups.
  4. Increasing unity among non-Congress parties.
  5. Internal differences within the Congress party.
Solution: Let's analyze each statement as a reason for the Congress party's performance in 1967:
  • (a) The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party. This may not be the primary reason. While Jawaharlal Nehru had passed away, experienced leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and later Indira Gandhi were present. However, the post-Nehru era saw a shift in leadership dynamics.
  • (b) Split within the Congress party. While a major split occurred later in 1969, internal divisions and factionalism were present before and after 1967, weakening the party's unified front and electoral appeal. The Syndicate's influence versus Indira Gandhi's supporters created tensions.
  • (c) Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups. This was a significant factor. The rise of strong regional parties (like Akali Dal in Punjab, DMK in Tamil Nadu) and the mobilization of various social groups on ethnic and communal lines fragmented the traditional vote base of the Congress.
  • (d) Increasing unity among non-Congress parties. The formation of 'United Fronts' and other alliances among non-Congress parties in several states helped them consolidate opposition votes and present a more formidable challenge to the Congress.
  • (e) Internal differences within the Congress party. Yes, internal differences and factionalism were indeed reasons for the Congress's setbacks. These divisions weakened the party's organizational strength and its ability to connect with voters effectively across different regions.
In summary, while the absence of a single, universally accepted charismatic leader post-Nehru might have played a role, the increased mobilization of diverse groups, growing unity among opposition parties, and significant internal differences and factionalism within the Congress were more direct and impactful reasons for its electoral challenges in 1967.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the outcomes of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in 1967.
  • Misattributing political slogans to the wrong leaders or parties.
  • Underestimating the impact of defections on political stability.
  • Failing to connect internal party dynamics with electoral performance.

Revision tips

  • Create a timeline of key events from 1967 onwards, including elections and major political shifts.
  • Make flashcards for important slogans, leaders, and political alliances mentioned in the chapter.
  • Practice explaining the reasons for the Congress party's challenges and restoration in your own words.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for resolving internal party conflicts.
  • Review the matching exercises to reinforce your understanding of key terms and concepts.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary outcome of the 1967 elections regarding the Congress party's performance in state assemblies?

Q2. The slogan 'Garibi Hatao!' is most closely associated with which leader?

Q3. What does the term 'Defection' refer to in the context of political parties?

Q4. The 'Grand Alliance' of 1971 was primarily formed by which type of parties?

Q5. Which of the following is a potential shortcoming of a political party always following the party president's footsteps?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science, Chapter 5?

These solutions focus on the challenges faced by the Congress system after the 1967 elections and its subsequent restoration, covering key events, political slogans, and party dynamics.

Which election is critically analyzed in this chapter?

The chapter critically analyzes the 1967 general elections, highlighting how the Congress party, despite winning the Lok Sabha, lost its majority in many state assemblies.

What does the term 'Syndicate' refer to in the context of the Congress party?

The Syndicate refers to a group of powerful and influential senior leaders within the Congress party who played a significant role in party politics during that era.

How do these solutions help in understanding political defections?

The solutions explain the concept of political defections, often referred to as 'Aya Ram Gaya Ram', where elected representatives switch parties, and its impact on political stability.

Are the solutions useful for understanding the 1971 elections?

Yes, the solutions discuss the formation and significance of the Grand Alliance in 1971, which was a key opposition coalition formed to challenge the Congress.

How can students use these solutions for exam revision?

Students can use these solutions to clarify concepts, understand the reasoning behind political events, and practice answering questions related to the challenges and restoration of the Congress system.

Important links

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