Question

Analyse any two reasons for considering the fourth General Elections, 1967, as a landmark year in India's political and electoral history.

Hint:

Think of the fall of the Congress in many states in 1967 and the start of coalition governments and defections.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background:
The fourth general elections of 1967 are called a landmark because they changed the nature of party politics in India. The first three elections had been won easily by the Congress.
Two reasons are given below.

Step 2: End of Congress dominance in the states:
The Congress lost power in many states. Even senior leaders such as Kamaraj were defeated.
This was described as a political earthquake. For the first time, many states were ruled by non-Congress governments.

Step 3: Rise of coalitions and opposition unity:
Opposition parties with different ideas came together to form coalition governments, called Samyukta Vidhayak Dal, in several states.
The Congress also got a much thinner majority in the Lok Sabha. This began an era of defections and coalition politics.

Final Answer:
The 1967 elections ended one-party dominance in the states and started coalition politics, so they are called a landmark.