The Syndicate Flashcards
What was the term used to describe the group of Congress leaders controlling the party after Nehru’s death? (mention both names)
The Syndicate or King Makers
Who was the leader of the Congress Party opposed by the Syndicate in the 1969 split? What was the name of the Congress faction formed by them?
Indira Gandhi, Congress (R)
Which leader of the Syndicate played a significant role in ensuring Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister?
K. Kamaraj
What was the political strategy adopted by the Syndicate to maintain control over the Congress?
Consensus
Who were the main members of the Syndicate, and what was their role in Indian politics?
The Syndicate comprised of senior Congress leaders like,
1. K. Kamaraj
2. S.K. Patil
3. Atulya Ghosh
4. N. Sanjeeva Reddy.
They dominated the Congress Party and acted as kingmakers, ensuring control over key political decisions after Nehru’s death.
What led to the split between the Syndicate and Indira Gandhi in 1969?
The split occurred due to ideological differences and power struggles. Indira Gandhi’s independent policies, such as nationalization of banks and her decision to support V.V. Giri in the presidential election against the Syndicate’s candidate, led to the division.
How did the Syndicate lose political relevance after the 1969 Congress split?
Indira Gandhi’s populist policies, direct appeal to the masses, electoral victories and famous slogan “Garibi Hatao” that made her popular with the labour class diminished the Syndicate’s influence, eventually leading to the decline of Congress (O).
What was the impact of the 1969 split on Indian politics?
The split weakened the Congress Party’s internal unity but strengthened Indira Gandhi’s position as a mass leader. It marked the beginning of a more centralized and charismatic style of leadership in Indian politics.
Why is the Syndicate era significant in the history of the Congress Party?
The Syndicate era represents a phase where senior leaders controlled party decisions, leading to power struggles and significant political realignments, including the emergence of Indira Gandhi as a dominant leader.
What were the ideological differences between Indira Gandhi and the Syndicate?
The Syndicate preferred conservative policies and a collective leadership model, while Indira Gandhi advocated for radical reforms like bank nationalization and land redistribution, focusing on populist measures.
Which constitutional office’s election was the flashpoint for the split between Indira Gandhi and the Syndicate?
Elections for the President of India
How did the policies of the Syndicate influence the Congress Party’s ability to address grassroots issues in the 1960s?
The Syndicate’s conservative approach focused on maintaining the status quo, which alienated the masses and led to criticism that the Congress was disconnected from grassroots problems, paving the way for Indira Gandhi’s populist measures.
