The National Decision

Summary

The article treats the 1971 election as a decisive national verdict in favour of Indira Gandhi and argues that its implications must be accepted by both the government and the opposition. It describes the Congress victory as a powerful sweep across India, rejects the defeated parties’ claims of unfair play, and warns that electoral adjustments or alliances cannot substitute for a genuine response to the electorate’s rejection of the “Indira Hatao” politics.

In the rendered pages, the article calls on the opposition—especially the Swatantra Party, Congress (Organisation), Jana Sangh, and the Four-Party Alliance—to rethink its ideological assumptions, admit its errors, and develop a constructive programme. It also assesses Gandhi’s post-1967 strategy, urging her to govern above party opportunism, respect democratic institutions, and address the country’s economic and political problems. The closing discussion presents the next year as a test of whether her electoral success can be converted into stable, responsible government.

Key points

• The 1971 election is presented as an overwhelming public endorsement of Indira Gandhi.
• The article rejects opposition complaints that the election result reflected unfair practices.
• The defeat of the “Indira Hatao” campaign is used to argue that opposition parties must rethink their political strategy.
• The Four-Party Alliance is criticised for slogans and arrangements without a clear programme.
• The opposition is urged to accept its errors, recover its strength, and move beyond rigid Left–Right labels.
• Gandhi is encouraged to govern above party opportunism and to support democratic institutions, the judiciary, and the press.
• The article identifies the coming year as a test of whether the Prime Minister can reduce political tension and settle down to solid work.