Spectrum Summary: The Lal Bahadur Shastri Years (June 1964–January 1966) | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Following Jawaharlal Nehru's death in 1964, concerns of political upheaval in India proved unfounded. The transition was remarkably smooth, with Gulzarilal Nanda serving as interim prime minister until a new leader was elected within the Congress party. The established democratic institutions and a clear succession process played a crucial role. Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru, maintaining India's reputation as a stable democracy amid regional turbulence. This contrasted with neighboring countries experiencing coups and military takeovers during the same period.

Introduction

Lal Bahadur Shastri Chosen as Leader

Indra Gandhi with Morarji Desai

Early Life

• Lal Bahadur Shastri, born on Oct 2,1904, in Uttar Pradesh, was staunchly opposed to the caste system.
• He adopted the title 'Shastri' after graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1928.
• His marriage to Lalita Devi in 1928 reflected his stand against dowry, accepting only five yards of khadi and a spinning wheel. 

Political Journey after Independence

• Actively participated in various freedom movements, facing arrest during the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921.
• Played a significant role in major movements like Salt Satyagraha, individual satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement.
• Elected to the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces in 1937.
• Post-independence, served as a minister in Uttar Pradesh, managing the Police and Transport portfolio.
• Appointed General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee in 1951, and later nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
• Resigned as Railways Minister in 1956, taking moral responsibility for a rail accident, but returned to the cabinet as Home Minister in 1961.
• His efforts included the establishment of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, contributing to the formation of the Central Vigilance Commission.
  Lal Bahadur Shastri taking oat as Prime Minister

Prime Minister: Continuing Nehru’s Legacy but with Change

• Sworn in as the second Prime Minister on June 9, 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri initially retained the portfolios of External Affairs and Atomic Energy.
• Later, the External Affairs Ministry was transferred to Swaran Singh.
• In his inaugural broadcast, Shastri articulated a vision for building a socialist democracy, ensuring freedom, prosperity, and maintaining world peace.
• A firm secularist, he emphasized India's diversity, highlighting the freedom of religious practice.
• Key ministers from Nehru's cabinet were retained, and Indira Gandhi was brought in as Information and Broadcasting Minister.
• While respecting Nehru, Shastri did not blindly follow his policies, introducing changes to reflect his own vision and approach.
• He established the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, appointing L.K. Jha as the first secretary.

Challenges

• Faced major protests in 1965 in non-Hindi speaking states, particularly in Madras (later Tamil Nadu), against the possible imposition of Hindi.
• Successfully addressed the crisis by assuring the continuation of English as the official language as long as non-Hindi speaking states desired.

Legacy

• Lal Bahadur Shastri's short tenure as Prime Minister was marked by decisive leadership and vision.
• Successfully navigated challenges and displayed strength despite perceptions of physical stature.
• Maintained continuity with Nehru’s policies but introduced changes reflecting his own vision and approach.

Economic Ideas

A Forerunner of Economic Reform

• Decentralization: Shastri aimed to decentralize governance by shifting decision-making from the Planning Commission to relevant ministries.
• National Planning Council: Efforts to diminish the dominance of the Planning Commission.
• Relaxation of regulations: In 1965, Shastri announced a reconsideration of government controls, leading to relaxation in sectors like steel and cement.
• Economic team: Shastri's team, including L.K. Jha and I.G. Patel, leaned towards modernizing agriculture and allowing more private sector freedom.
• Devaluation of the rupee: Shastri laid the groundwork for economic reforms, including the devaluation of the rupee.

The Seeds of Green Revolution and White Revolution

• Food shortage crisis: Shastri appointed C. Subramaniam to address the food shortage crisis.

Chidambaram Subramaniam

• Green Revolution: Shastri supported the foundation of the Green Revolution, addressing opposition and initiating the import of wheat seeds in 1965.

M.S. Swaminathan (Father of the Green Revolution)

• Incentives: Agricultural Prices Commission and Food Corporation of India were established to support new agricultural technologies.
• White Revolution: Shastri initiated the campaign to boost milk production, leading to the establishment of the National Dairy Development Board in 1965.
  Dr. Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution)

Skip a Meal Idea

• During the 1965 War, Shastri resisted US pressure, motivating citizens to voluntarily skip one meal a week to aid food distribution.

New Institutions and Projects

• Inauguration of various institutions: Shastri inaugurated institutions like the Central Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, and the National Institute of Technology.
• Port infrastructure: Shastri played a role in inaugurating the Jawahar Dock and initiating construction at Tuticorin Port.
• Upper Krishna Project: Shastri laid the foundation stone for the project, including the Alamatti Dam.

Foreign Relations

Non-alignment Policy

• No fundamental changes: Shastri maintained India's non-alignment policy but increased the defense budget due to concerns about China.
• Closer ties with the Soviet Union: Shastri aimed to strengthen relations with the Soviet Union.
  

Diplomacy with Neighboring States

• Bandarnaike-Shastri Accord: Shastri addressed issues with Ceylon (Sri Lanka), but the accord faced challenges after Shastri's death.
• Relations with Burma: Shastri's visit to Rangoon in 1965 reestablished cordial relations with Burma (Myanmar) after the military coup in 1962.

The Indo-Pak War

• General Mohammad Ayub Khan seized power in Pakistan in 1958 through a military coup.
• The United States extended significant military support to Pakistan during this period.
• The aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War left India, including its armed forces, demoralized.
• In April 1965, Pakistan tested the situation in Sindh, with initial clashes occurring in the Rann of Kachchh.
• A ceasefire was mediated by Britain after these clashes, leading to the withdrawal of forces.
• Encouraged by Foreign Minister Zulfikar Bhutto, Ayub Khan launched "Operation Grandslam" in Kashmir in August 1965, attempting to take advantage of the unrest in the region.
• Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, rejecting Pakistan's claim of a spontaneous uprising, ordered the Indian Army to cross the ceasefire line in response.
• In September 1965, Indian forces launched a three-pronged attack, with tanks aimed at Lahore and Sialkot in Punjab.
• The United Nations intervened, and a ceasefire was agreed upon on September 23.
  Prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and army officers atop a captured Pakistani tank. 

Peace Agreement at Tashkent

• A South Asian peace conference took place in Tashkent in January 1966, sponsored by Soviet President Alexei Kosygin.
• Mediation by Kosygin led to the signing of the Tashkent Declaration (January 10, 1966) between President Ayub Khan and Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• The declaration aimed to restore normal and peaceful relations between India and Pakistan and promote understanding and friendly relations between their peoples.
• The Soviet leaders played a role in drafting the agreement.
• Criticisms emerged, particularly in India, for the absence of a no-war pact and the lack of provisions regarding Pakistan's guerrilla aggression in Kashmir.
• Protests and riots erupted in Pakistan, and Zulfikar Bhutto distanced himself from Ayub Khan and the Tashkent Pact, ultimately forming his own political party.
  Ayub Khan, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Premier Alexei Kosygin 

Shastri’s Death

• Early on January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away due to a heart attack.
• Controversies and rumors surrounded Shastri's death, including suspicions of poisoning.

Lal Bahadur Shastri's last rites

• The involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the USA was suspected, reflecting Western concerns about India's nuclear aspirations and potential shifts in the power balance in South Asia.

• Other incidents, such as the death of Dr. Homi Bhabha in an air crash, also raised suspicions of external interference.

Dr. Homi Bhabha (father of India's nuclear programme)

The Tashkent Declaration

• Good Neighborly Relations: Both India and Pakistan commit to exerting efforts to establish good neighborly relations in accordance with the United Nations Charter, pledging not to resort to force and to settle disputes through peaceful means.

• Ceasefire and Withdrawal: All armed personnel from both countries agree to withdraw to their pre-5th August 1965 positions by 25th February 1966, and both sides will observe the ceasefire terms on the ceasefire line.

• Non-interference Principle: Relations between India and Pakistan will be based on the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

• Propaganda Discouragement: Both nations commit to discouraging propaganda against each other and promoting messages that foster friendly relations.

• Diplomatic Measures: The High Commissioners of India to Pakistan and Pakistan to India will return to their posts, and both countries will restore the normal functioning of their diplomatic missions, adhering to the Vienna Convention of 1961 on Diplomatic Intercourse.

• Economic and Trade Relations: Measures will be considered to restore economic and trade relations, communications, and cultural exchanges, along with the implementation of existing agreements between the two nations.

• Repatriation of Prisoners of War: Instructions will be given to respective authorities for the repatriation of prisoners of war.

• Addressing Ongoing Issues: Both sides will continue discussions on matters like refugees, evictions, illegal immigrations, preventing the exodus of people, and discussing the return of property and assets taken over during the conflict.

• Joint Bodies for Ongoing Dialogue: Recognizing the need for joint Indian-Pakistani bodies, both nations agree to set up such bodies that will report to their governments and decide on further steps to be taken in pursuit of lasting peace.

Conclusion

Lal Bahadur Shastri's years in office were a crucible for India's political and economic evolution. His decisive response during the Indo-Pak War reflected strong leadership, and his economic policies, including the early seeds of the Green and White Revolutions, had far-reaching implications. The Tashkent Declaration underscored his commitment to regional peace. Shastri's untimely demise in 1966 left a legacy of resilience and vision, contributing to India's socio-economic progress. The Shastri era remains a pivotal chapter in India's history, showcasing the nation's ability to navigate challenges and emerge stronger on the global stage.