CHALLENGES TO AND RESTORATION OF THE CONGRESS SYSTEM
The challenge of political succession after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s demise in 1964 wasn’t just about who would take up his mantle, but about the future trajectory of the nascent Indian republic itself.
Many post-colonial nations during the mid-20th century struggled to maintain their democratic setups. The allure of autocratic systems, military interventions, and single-party dominance was evident across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The post-independence euphoria often gave way to political instability, with democratically elected leaders being overthrown or choosing to consolidate power.
Jawaharlal Nehru wasn’t just a political leader; he was a founding father of modern India. His association with Mahatma Gandhi, his role in the freedom struggle, and his leadership in the formative years of India gave him a monumental stature. Finding a successor with similar gravitas was nearly impossible.
Many new republics witnessed their armies stepping into political roles, either due to power vacuums or political unrest. Given India’s vast size, diversity, and the many internal challenges it faced, there were apprehensions that the Indian military might intervene, especially if political leadership faltered.