CONGRESS AFTER INDIRA: Policy, Power, Political Change (1984–2009)

Having played a pivotal role in nationbuilding during the freedom struggle, the Indian National Congress has since then emerged as one of the most enduring and influential political parties in the world. In the aftermath of Indira Gandhis assassination, the Congress swept the polls in the 1984 elections with the highest ever vote and seat tally, and reached its zenith with Rajiv Gandhi at the helm. Due to changes in polity, economy, and society, as well as the international environment, this period, however, marked the end of the Congress epoch in Indian politics. How did the new Indian political landscape shape the development and the comeback of the Congress in the 2004 parliamentary elections in a coalition? What was the role of contemporary Congress politics, its policy, and its organization and leadership, in the face of challenges posed due to these changes? In Congress After Indira, Zoya Hasan addresses and seeks answers to these questions. The book discusses the Ayodhya and Shah Bano controversies; economic liberalization; social inequalities; minority development; coalition government, especially the two power centres and the division of power between the prime minister and party president under the United Progressive Alliance government. The book also illuminates aspects of the India-US nuclear deal. This in-depth study of Congress from 1984 to 2009 advances our understanding and perceptions of Indian politics, and political structure and processes.