CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Solutions: Chapter 14

Solution: The correct statement is (a). In the 1967 general elections, the Indian National Congress, despite its long history of dominance, faced significant challenges. While the party managed to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha and retain power at the Centre, its performance in the state assembly elections was considerably weaker. It lost its majority in several states, leading to the formation of non-Congress governments in many of them. This election marked a turning point, often referred to as the 'Great Game' or the 'Fourth General Election', where regional parties and opposition coalitions gained considerable ground, challenging the Congress's hegemonic position in Indian politics.

Solution: Let's match the terms with their correct descriptions:

1. Syndicate corresponds to (iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress. The Syndicate was a group of powerful Congress leaders who held significant sway within the party, particularly during the Indira Gandhi era.
2. Defection corresponds to (i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket she/he has been elected. This refers to the act of an elected official switching their party allegiance, often leading to political instability.
3. Slogan corresponds to (ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention. Slogans are short, memorable phrases used in political campaigns to convey a message and mobilize public support.
4. Anti-Congressism corresponds to (iii) Parties with different ideological positions coming together to oppose Congress and its policies. This term describes the phenomenon where diverse opposition parties united primarily on the basis of their opposition to the Congress party, setting aside their ideological differences.

Therefore, the correct matching is: 1-(iv), 2-(i), 3-(ii), 4-(iii).

Solution: These slogans and phrases are strongly associated with specific leaders and political contexts in India:

(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) is a slogan that was popularized by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. It aimed to honor the contributions of both the armed forces and the agricultural community to the nation, particularly during times of national challenge.

(b) Indira Hatao! (Remove Indira!) was a slogan primarily used by the opposition parties, including the Syndicate faction within the Congress, during the political contests against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It represented a concerted effort by her opponents to unseat her from power.

(c) Garibi Hatao! (Remove Poverty!) was a powerful and iconic slogan used by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It formed the cornerstone of her political campaign and policy agenda, promising to alleviate poverty and improve the socio-economic conditions of the masses.

Solution: The correct statement about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is (a) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties. The Grand Alliance was a coalition of various opposition parties that came together with the primary objective of defeating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Congress party in the 1971 general elections. This alliance included parties like the Jana Sangh, the Socialist Party, the Swatantra Party, and the Samyukta Socialist Party. While they united against Congress, their ideological diversity meant they did not always have a cohesive or clear political and ideological program beyond opposing Indira Gandhi. Statement (c) is incorrect because not all non-Congress parties joined the alliance; for instance, the Communist Party of India (CPI) supported Indira Gandhi.

Solution: Political parties often face internal differences, and resolving them is crucial for party unity and effectiveness. Here's an analysis of the suggested methods:

(a) Follow the footsteps of the party president

• Advantage: This approach can ensure discipline, quick decision-making, and a unified party front, as all members align behind the leader's vision. It prevents factionalism and provides clear direction.
• Shortcoming: It can stifle internal democracy, as the views and concerns of the majority of party members might be overlooked. The party president could become authoritarian, leading to resentment and alienation among grassroots members.

(b) Listen to the majority group

• Advantage: This method promotes inner-party democracy and ensures that decisions reflect the collective will of the party members. It can increase confidence and participation among members.
• Shortcoming: It might lead to increased factionalism, where groups compete for majority support. The interests of minority groups could be consistently ignored, potentially leading to their dissatisfaction or departure from the party.

(c) 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 reprisal. It can lead to more genuine representation of members' views.
• Shortcoming: This method can be impractical for day-to-day party functioning and may undermine party discipline. Members might vote against the party's official stance or whip, potentially harming the party's electoral prospects or policy coherence.

(d) Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party

• Advantage: This approach leverages the wisdom and experience of seasoned leaders, which can be beneficial for guiding newer or less experienced members and formulating sound policies. It ensures continuity and stability.
• Shortcoming: Over-reliance on senior leaders might marginalize younger or newer members and prevent fresh perspectives from emerging. It could also lead to the consolidation of power among a select few, potentially hindering democratic practices within the party.

Solution: Let's analyze each statement as a potential reason for the Congress party's setbacks in the 1967 elections:

(a) The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party.

This may not be the primary reason. While Jawaharlal Nehru had passed away, leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and later Indira Gandhi were considered charismatic. The party still had many experienced leaders, but the context of leadership and public perception had shifted.

(b) Split within the Congress party.

While significant splits occurred later (like the 1969 split between Syndicate and Indira supporters), the 1967 elections themselves were contested largely by a united, albeit internally diverse, Congress. The major split that significantly impacted its electoral fortunes happened after 1967, influencing subsequent elections.

(c) Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups.

This was a significant reason. The rise and increased mobilization of regional parties, such as the DMK in Tamil Nadu and the Akali Dal in Punjab, directly challenged Congress's dominance in their respective states. These parties catered to specific regional, linguistic, or ethnic identities, drawing support away from the national Congress party and contributing to its loss of majority in several state assemblies.

(d) Increasing unity among non-Congress parties.

This was also a crucial factor. Opposition parties, despite their ideological differences, began to form alliances and coalitions, particularly in state-level politics, to present a united front against the Congress. This 'United Front' strategy in several states allowed non-Congress parties to pool their votes and resources, leading to Congress defeats.

(e) Internal differences within the Congress party.

Internal differences and factionalism within the Congress party, though perhaps not as pronounced as in later years, did exist and contributed to its weakened position. These differences often related to leadership struggles, policy disagreements, and competition for power, which could affect the party's electoral strategy and appeal.

In summary, statements (c), (d), and (e) represent significant reasons for the Congress party's setbacks in the 1967 elections, while (a) is debatable and (b) refers to a later event.