Question

State any four developments during the J.P. Movement which led to the declaration of Emergency in June, 1975.

Answer 1

Under Jayaprakash Narayan's leadership, the J.P. Movement experienced a number of significant events that contributed to the June 1975 declaration of emergency:

1. Massive Public Protests: The campaign organized widespread demonstrations and work stoppages throughout India, calling for Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's resignation due to claims of corruption and poor government.
2. The Railway Strike of 1974: The government's incapacity to handle dissent was demonstrated by one of the biggest strikes in Indian history, which was led by railway workers and severely damaged the nation's economy while increasing unrest.
3. Allahabad High Court Verdict: In June 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices during the 1971 elections. The political crisis intensified when the verdict ordered her to resign from her parliamentary seat.
4. Call for Total Revolution: Jayaprakash Narayan called for a "Total Revolution" that would completely restructure the social and political structures. This appeal resonated with many societal segments, such as labourers and students, sparking massive unrest that threatened the national government's stability.