Question

Write a short note on 'Sampoorna Kranti'.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
"Sampoorna Kranti" (Total Revolution) was a mass political movement launched by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) in the mid-1970s, calling for change across all aspects of Indian life, not just a change of ruling party.

Step 2: Its origin.
The movement grew out of student-led protests against corruption and misgovernance in Bihar and Gujarat in 1973 to 1974. JP gave his famous call for Total Revolution at a rally in Patna in 1974, asking citizens to demand reform in politics, economics, society, education, and even personal values.

Step 3: Its clash with the government.
The movement grew into strong nationwide opposition to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government, and is widely seen as one of the key reasons behind the imposition of the National Emergency in June 1975, during which many opposition leaders, including JP, were arrested.

Step 4: Its lasting impact.
After the Emergency ended in 1977, the political forces united by JP's movement came together to form the Janata Party, which went on to defeat the Congress in the 1977 general election, marking the first time a non-Congress government ruled India at the centre.

Final Answer:
Sampoorna Kranti was JP Narayan's 1974 call for all-round reform, which fuelled anti-government protests, contributed to the 1975 Emergency, and ultimately led to Congress's first electoral defeat in 1977.