Question

From which state did the phrase 'Aya Ram, Gaya Ram' originate?

Hint:

To remember the state of origin: Gaya Lal's home state was Haryana, which is situated adjacent to Delhi. The acronym H-H associates Haryana with Horse-trading and defection. Mnemonic: Aya Ram Gaya Lal of Haryana.

Answer 1

Step 1: The Political Context of 1967:
Following the fourth general elections in 1967, the Congress party's dominance was shattered in nine states, ushering in the era of coalition governments (Samyukta Vidhayak Dal or SVD coalitions). This period was plagued by massive political instability and horse-trading.

Step 2: The Story of Gaya Lal:
The phrase originated in the newly created state of Haryana. An MLA named Gaya Lal changed his party allegiance three times in a single fortnight in 1967: $$\text{Congress} \rightarrow \text{United Front} \rightarrow \text{Congress} \rightarrow \text{United Front}$$ At a press conference, Congress leader Rao Birender Singh brought Gaya Lal forward and declared, “Gaya Ram is now Aya Ram,” referring to his return to the Congress fold.

Step 3: Long-term Constitutional Impact:
This widespread practice of defection eventually led to the enactment of the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985, which introduced the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) to the Constitution of India.