At the age of 40, Rajiv Gandhi became the country’s youngest prime minister and may have been among the youngest elected leaders of state worldwide. He spent 14 years as a pilot for Indian Airlines and stayed out of politics until his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi passed away in June 1980, at which point his mother, Indira Gandhi, encouraged him to support her. After his younger brother’s passing, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the UP constituency of Amethi, officially beginning his political career. On October 31, 1984, Rajiv Gandhi took office as prime minister, shortly after his mother and India’s first lady, Indira Gandhi, was killed. The general elections that were supposed to take place at the beginning of 1985 were postponed, though voting in Assam and Punjab was delayed until 1985 because of unrest in those states. When the results were announced, Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress had won 401 out of the country’s 508 Lok Sabha seats, giving them the largest electoral victory ever. Rajiv Gandhi held the position of prime minister until December 2nd, 1989. India had several events during his five years as prime minister, which will be discussed in this chapter.
Punjab Crisis (1984-1985):
- The Punjab crisis was a significant challenge during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. It arose from demands for an autonomous Sikh state, Khalistan, which led to violent conflicts between Sikh separatists and the Indian government. The crisis culminated in Operation Blue Star in June 1984, an operation to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
1984 Sikh Riots:
- Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards in October 1984, anti-Sikh riots erupted in Delhi and other parts of India. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in the violence, which has been widely criticized for its brutality and the perceived complicity of some elements within the Congress party.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984):
- The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. On the night of December 2-3, 1984, a gas leak at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the release of toxic chemicals. Thousands of people died, and the effects of the disaster continue to impact survivors and their descendants.
Punjab and Assam Accords:
- To address the separatist movements in Punjab and Assam, Rajiv Gandhi’s government negotiated agreements. The Punjab Accord of 1985 aimed to resolve the demands of Sikh separatists, while the Assam Accord of 1985 sought to address issues related to immigration in the state.
India’s Computerization Programme:
- Rajiv Gandhi was a proponent of modernizing India’s technological infrastructure. His government launched a computerization program, aiming to introduce computer technology in various sectors, including government offices, education, and industry.
Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions:
- The Rajiv Gandhi government worked towards strengthening grassroots democracy by enacting constitutional amendments that empowered local self-government bodies, known as Panchayati Raj institutions.
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana:
- This program was initiated to provide employment opportunities to rural and urban poor through various public works projects. It aimed to reduce poverty and improve infrastructure in areas with high unemployment rates.
Shah Bano Case (1985):
- The Shah Bano case involved a Muslim woman seeking maintenance from her former husband. The case raised questions about Muslim women’s rights in matters of divorce and maintenance. The government’s response to the case led to significant debates on secularism and personal laws in India.
Operation Blackboard:
- Operation Blackboard was a program aimed at improving primary education in India. It focused on providing basic facilities, teacher training, and infrastructure to primary schools.
National Policy on Education (1986):
- The National Policy on Education was introduced to revamp the education system in India. It aimed to provide quality education, improve access, and promote scientific and technological advancements.
Bofors Scam (1987):
- The Bofors scandal involved allegations of kickbacks in a defence deal between the Indian government and the Swedish company Bofors. The controversy had political repercussions and led to questions about transparency and accountability in defence procurement.
Indian Peace Keeping Force (1987-1990):
- To address the Sri Lankan Civil War, Rajiv Gandhi sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka. The operation aimed to disarm militant groups in the region, but it faced significant challenges and criticism.
Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a mix of significant achievements and challenges, including both progressive policy initiatives and controversies. His leadership played a pivotal role in shaping India during this period.
Rajiv Gandhi’s early years as Prime Minister were marked by significant initiatives and challenges. Here are some of the key highlights:
1. Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Shortly after becoming Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi faced one of the world’s worst industrial disasters – the Bhopal gas leak in December 1984. The catastrophic event claimed thousands of lives and left a lasting impact on the affected communities.
2. Technology Missions: Rajiv Gandhi launched six ambitious “technology missions” aimed at leveraging science and technology to address various developmental challenges. These missions were targeted towards critical areas like drinking water, literacy, immunization, milk production, edible oil output, and rural telecommunication.
- The Drinking Water Mission aimed to provide potable water to all Indian communities. It employed satellite technology, geology, civil engineering, and biochemistry to identify, extract, and purify water supplies.
- The Literacy Mission sought to combat mass illiteracy using tools like television networks, video cassettes, and audio cassettes, particularly in rural areas.
- The Immunization Mission focused on vaccinating pregnant women and children.
- The White Revolution Mission aimed to enhance milk production by improving the health and yield of cows and buffaloes.
- The Edible Oil Mission sought to increase domestic edible oil production to reduce India’s dependence on imports.
- The Rural Telecommunication Mission aimed to ensure that every village in India had access to a telephone before the end of the century.
3. Emphasis on Computerization: Rajiv Gandhi gave a significant push to India’s computerization efforts. Import duties on computer components were reduced to boost domestic production. Foreign manufacturers were allowed to enter the Indian market to ensure quality and competitive pricing. The use of computers in workplaces and schools was encouraged.
4. Strengthening Panchayati Raj: Rajiv Gandhi sought to deepen and strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions. His government introduced legislation to make panchayat elections mandatory and provided them with constitutional backing.
Rajiv Gandhi’s early initiatives reflected his vision for a modern, technologically advanced India. While some of these efforts achieved success, there were also challenges and complexities in their implementation. His focus on leveraging technology for development and empowering local governance structures left a significant legacy in India’s policy landscape.
Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several important policy initiatives:
1. Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (Employment Plan):
This program was designed to provide employment opportunities to at least one member of every rural poor family for 50-100 days per year. Launched to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth centenary, the central government committed to covering 80% of the costs.
2. Focus on Education in Rural Areas:
- The new education policy emphasized rural areas and marginalized communities. Initiatives like the literacy drive and Operation Blackboard aimed to provide essential facilities to schools.
- Online education was also recognized as an important avenue for improving access to education in remote areas.
3. National Perspective Plan for Women:
- Drafted in 1988, this plan advocated for reserving 30% of elected seats in all panchayat bodies for women. This recommendation was later incorporated into Panchayati Raj legislation.
- The plan also advocated for half of grassroots functionaries to be women, addressing concerns related to women’s health and education.
- Additionally, legislation was passed in 1986 to strengthen penalties for dowry-related offenses.
4. Environmental Protection:
- Rajiv Gandhi demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental protection. He took significant steps to address the pollution of the Ganga River, a project that was of great importance to him and his mother.
- A new Ministry of Environment was established, and obtaining environmental clearance for large projects became a mandatory requirement.
5. Anti-Defection Act (52nd Constitutional Amendment Act):
- Enacted in 1985 after consultations with opposition parties, this act was aimed at curbing political defections and horse-trading. It sought to put an end to the practice of elected representatives changing party affiliations for personal gain.
These policy initiatives reflected Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious India. They addressed critical areas such as employment, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. While some of these initiatives were met with success, others faced challenges in implementation. Nonetheless, they left a significant impact on India’s policy landscape.
Punjab Crisis (Continued)
The Akali Dal’s shift towards separatism and continued communal tendencies played a significant role in exacerbating the Punjab Crisis. Here are some key developments:
- Creation of Punjab (1966): The creation of Punjab as a separate state in 1966 marked a significant milestone. Many of the major demands put forth by the Akali Dal were accepted and implemented. This included linguistic reorganization and the formation of Haryana.
- Akali Dal’s Options:
- After the successful realization of their demands, the Akali Dal had two viable options:
- Embrace a non-communal, purely religious and social role.
- Evolve into a secular party appealing to all Punjabis.
- After the successful realization of their demands, the Akali Dal had two viable options:
- Shift Towards Separatism:
- Instead of pursuing a more inclusive and secular approach, the Akali Dal chose to move towards separatism. This decision played a pivotal role in the escalation of the Punjab Crisis.
- Communal Themes and Sikh Communalism:
- Communalism between Hindus and Sikhs has been growing in Punjab since independence. The Akali Dal, as the political wing of the Sikhs, adopted certain communal themes that became central to Sikh communalism.
- The Akali Dal maintained that religion and politics were inseparable in Sikhism, denying the idea of a secular polity. They positioned themselves as the sole representatives of the Sikh Panth, which encompassed both the Sikh religion and the broader secular interests of Sikhs.
- Influence of Extremists:
- Over time, the influence of extremist elements within the Sikh community continued to grow. These elements advocated for more radical and separatist positions.
- Transformation into Terrorism:
- By the 1980s, the separatist movement in Punjab had transformed into a campaign of terror, characterized as a low-intensity war. Extremist groups resorted to violent means to further their cause.
The communal tensions and the Akali Dal’s shift towards separatism laid the foundation for the escalating crisis in Punjab. The situation continued to worsen, ultimately leading to a protracted period of violence and instability in the state.
1984 Sikh Riots
The 1984 Sikh Riots, also known as the 1984 Sikh Massacre, were a tragic and deeply disturbing event in Indian history. Here are some key points about this period:
- Assassination of Indira Gandhi:
- The riots were triggered by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for her decision to launch Operation Blue Star.
- Widespread Violence:
- Following the assassination, anti-Sikh riots erupted across India, particularly in Delhi and Punjab. Mobs targeted Sikhs, resulting in brutal and horrific acts of violence.
- Gruesome Attacks:
- Sikh individuals were pulled off buses and trains, lynched, and some were burnt alive. Many were dragged from their homes and brutally killed. There were also reports of Sikh women being subjected to gang rape, particularly in the Delhi area.
- Estimates of Casualties:
- Official estimates suggest that around 8,000 Sikhs lost their lives in more than 40 cities across India during the riots, with over 3,000 killings in Delhi alone. However, unofficial figures are believed to be much higher.
- Role of Congress Leaders:
- Allegations and reports suggested the involvement of some leaders of the Congress party in instigating and fueling the riots. The situation put the Congress government in a complex and difficult position.
- Judicial Inquiry and Punjab Accord:
- Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ordered an independent judicial inquiry into the Sikh riots. Additionally, he signed the Punjab Accord, which aimed to address some of the key issues in Punjab, including regional autonomy.
- Nanavati Commission:
- In 2000, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government established the Justice Nanavati Commission to investigate the killing of innocent Sikhs during the riots. The commission submitted its report in February 2005.
- Criticism of Report:
- The report received significant criticism, particularly for not explicitly addressing the role of Congress party members, like Jagdish Tytler, in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Apology by Manmohan Singh:
- After the release of the report, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issued an official apology to the Sikh community for Operation Blue Star and the subsequent riots.
The 1984 Sikh Riots remain a painful and tragic chapter in Indian history. The event had a profound impact on the Sikh community and continues to be a subject of discussion, remembrance, and calls for justice.
Punjab Accord
The Punjab Accord of 1985 was a significant step towards resolving the complex issues surrounding Punjab during that period. Here are the major provisions of the accord:
- Rangnath Mishra Commission:
- A commission under Justice Rangnath Mishra was established to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This was an important step towards addressing the violence that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
- Compensation for Victims:
- Families of innocent individuals who were killed after August 1, 1982, were to receive fair compensation. Additionally, compensation was to be provided for any damaged property.
- Chandigarh Allocation:
- Chandigarh, the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana, was designated to be given to Punjab, overriding the recommendation of the Shah Commission, which had suggested it go to Haryana. In return, Hindi-speaking villages of Punjab were to be handed over to Haryana.
- Sarkaria Commission Reference:
- Part of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution related to center-state relations was to be referred to the Sarkaria Commission, a body established to examine and recommend solutions for issues between states and the central government.
- River Water Dispute Resolution:
- The accord addressed the contentious issue of river water distribution:
- For the Ravi-Beas system, Punjab, Haryana, and other states would maintain their existing shares of water.
- A tribunal led by a Supreme Court judge would assess the river water claims of both Punjab and Haryana, with the tribunal’s recommendations being binding on both states.
- Construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna link canal was mandated and was to be completed before August 15, 1986.
- Promotion of Punjabi Language:
- The central government was empowered to take steps to promote the Punjabi language.
- Army Recruitment Merit-Based:
- The accord affirmed that merit would be the sole criterion for selection in the army, ensuring that all citizens had the right to enroll themselves.
Despite the signing of the Punjab Accord, it faced opposition from a faction of Akalis, including leaders like Prakash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra. They criticized the accord and labeled it as a “sell-out.” Tragically, Harchand Singh Longowal, the Akali leader who had signed the accord, was assassinated by Sikh militants who opposed the agreement. This event marked a deeply tragic turn in the effort to bring peace to Punjab.
Aftermath of the Accord and the End of Terrorism in Punjab
Following the Punjab Accord of 1985 and the assassination of Harchand Singh Longowal, the situation in Punjab remained volatile. Here’s what transpired:
- State Assembly Elections (1985):
- Despite the tragic assassination of Longowal, elections for the state assembly in Punjab were held as scheduled in September 1985. The voter turnout was similar to that of 1977, indicating active political participation.
- The Akali Dal secured an absolute majority for the first time in their history.
- Surjit Singh Barnala’s Term:
- Surjit Singh Barnala became the Chief Minister of Punjab. However, his tenure was marked by internal factionalism within the Akali Dal, which weakened the state government.
- Resurgence of Terrorism:
- The state government’s soft policies allowed militant groups to regroup and launch a new wave of terrorist activities. These groups exploited the factionalism and unrest within Punjab.
- Imposition of President’s Rule (1987):
- In response to the escalating violence and instability, the central government dismissed the state government and imposed President’s Rule in Punjab in May 1987. This was an attempt to restore law and order.
- Persistent Terrorism with External Support:
- Terrorism in Punjab continued to escalate, with active support from Pakistan. Despite the central government’s attempts to negotiate and appease extremists, the situation remained grim.
- Operation Black Thunder (1988):
- In 1988, the government launched “Operation Black Thunder,” which was conducted by Punjab police and paramilitary forces. The operation successfully flushed out terrorists who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple complex.
- Shift to a Hard-Line Policy (1991):
- From mid-1991 onwards, the Narasimha Rao government adopted a more stringent approach towards terrorism. The police forces became increasingly effective in combating militant activities.
- Virtual Eradication of Terrorism (1993):
- By 1993, Punjab had been largely freed from terrorism. The combined efforts of the security forces and government policies contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
This period marked a significant turning point in the history of Punjab, as the state gradually emerged from the dark shadow of terrorism towards a more stable and peaceful era.
Rajiv Gandhi Era: A Critical Appraisal
Positives:
- Technological Revolution: Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure saw a significant push towards modernization and technology adoption, which had a profound impact on various sectors of Indian society.
- Political Reforms: He introduced several important political reforms, including laws to ban defection and measures to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system, aiming to enhance the democratic fabric of the nation.
- Economic Reforms: Rajiv Gandhi took initial steps towards economic liberalization, particularly by dismantling aspects of the license-permit raj system, which was crucial for setting the stage for later economic reforms.
- Peace Initiatives: The successful accords in Punjab and Assam played a vital role in restoring peace and stability in regions that had been grappling with significant unrest.
Negatives:
- Shah Bano Case: The decision to reverse the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Shah Bano case was highly controversial, as it was seen as a move to appease certain religious groups at the expense of women’s rights.
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Rajiv Gandhi’s handling of the Bhopal gas tragedy was widely criticized. His failure to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide adequate support to the victims and survivors reflected poorly on his administration.
- Sri Lankan Intervention: The involvement in the Sri Lankan Civil War was viewed as an ill-prepared move that resulted in significant casualties and strained relations with both the Tamil and Sinhalese communities.
- Corruption Scandals: The Bofors and HDW submarine scams brought allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the government, which had a detrimental impact on the Congress party’s reputation.
- Anti-Sikh Riots: The handling of the anti-Sikh riots following Indira Gandhi’s assassination was heavily criticized. The perceived involvement of Congress leaders in the riots raised questions about the party’s commitment to secularism.
Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a combination of forward-looking policies and controversial decisions. While he made significant strides in certain areas, there were also instances where his government faced severe criticism and scrutiny. This mixed legacy continues to shape assessments of his time in office.
FAQs
1. How did Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure impact India’s political landscape?
A: Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure saw significant changes in India’s political landscape. His leadership witnessed a shift towards a more technology-oriented and modernized approach. However, it was also marked by various controversies and instances of unrest, particularly in states grappling with socio-political tensions.
2. What were the key challenges faced by Rajiv Gandhi during his time as Prime Minister?
A: Rajiv Gandhi faced numerous challenges during his tenure, including the rise of insurgency movements in states like Punjab and Assam, which posed significant threats to national unity. Additionally, allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement surfaced, further complicating governance.
3. How did Rajiv Gandhi’s government address the unrest in states like Punjab and Assam?
A: In Punjab, Rajiv Gandhi’s government initiated negotiations with Sikh leaders to address their grievances and attempted to restore peace through a combination of political dialogue and military action, culminating in Operation Black Thunder and Operation Blue Star. In Assam, the Assam Accord was signed to resolve the Assam Movement, granting certain concessions to the state.
4. What were some notable events of unrest during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure?
A: During Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, the country witnessed several instances of unrest, including the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984, which raised questions about industrial safety and accountability. Moreover, the Mandal Commission Report’s implementation stirred social and political unrest, leading to widespread protests across the country.
5. How did Rajiv Gandhi’s policies contribute to both progress and dissent in India?
A: Rajiv Gandhi’s policies aimed to propel India towards technological advancement and economic liberalization. Initiatives like the National Policy on Education and efforts to modernize industries reflected his vision for progress. However, these policies also faced criticism for their alleged elitist approach and failure to address the needs of marginalized communities, exacerbating social disparities and contributing to dissent.
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