Indira Gandhi
Two Prime Ministerships: 1967-77 1980-84
-first woman ever elected to lead a major democratic nation.
Nuclear Weapons
Indira accelerated the national nuclear program. Performed an underground nuclear test in 1974 -Pakistan followed in developing nuclear capabilities.
Indira's Assassination
-On October 31s, 1984, Indira was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. After her death, violent attacks on Sikhs occurred in New Dehli and spread across India.
Operation Blue Star
-During this time, tensions between Sikhs and Indian government grew. Murder and crime rate increased and many Sikhs felt they were being discriminated against. -Indira was concerned by a group of Sikhs who were planning to go against her. She gave the army permission to storm the Golden Temple. This attack was known as Operation Blue Star. -The attack was planned months in advance. The Indian Army attacked the Temple. About 500 Sikhs (civilians among them) were killed and the Golden temple was severely damaged.
Green Revolution
-From 1965-early 1980s the Green Revolution took place, w/ India's chronic food shortages being transformed into a surplus. India became a food exporter, through science&technology: genetically modified food, pesticides
Family of Origin
-only child of Nehru. grew up in a wealthy and prominent family, family being one of the leading members of the Indian National Congress
Peace Treaty with Pakistan
-Indira was able to achieve some measure of peace with Pakistan as prime minister. -The Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972 stating that the dispute over Kashmir would be settled peacefully.
The Emergency 1975-1977
-when Indira was convicted of election fraud, ordered to be removed from her seat in Parliament, and banned from running in elections for 6 years. -Indira appealed the decision and opposing parties rallied against her with strikes and protests. So, she called a State of Emergency because of internal disorder in India. -This gave the government the ability to take special measures to restore order and allowed Indira to overrule many provisions in the constitution. -government imposed its will to a large degree. civil liberties suspended, media censored, thousands killed and homeless for removal of slum dwellings, forced sterilization. -after Emergency Period, Indira and her son Sanjay were punished but people started to feel sympathy for Indira (her old age) she began campaigning and apologizing -1980, Indira's Congress Party returned in power and she became Prime Minister once more
Rise to Power
-when Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India in 1947, Indira served as his personal aide. -1959, Indira was elected president of the Indian National Congress. -1964, Nehru died and new prime minister advocated for Indira joining the government. She was appointed Minister of Broadcasting && Information. 4th highest position in cabinet -encouraged the production of inexpensive radios and family planning. welcomed media attention and showed stout leadership -Shastri died in 1966, and Indira took over as Prime Minister of India ("until next election") -she won election in 1967.