Politics Throwback: Sanjay Gandhi’s Forced Sterilization Plan Haunts Congress in 1977 Election Upset

Sanjay Gandhi's rhetoric also targeted political opponents, particularly the Jan Sangh and allied parties, whom he accused of being fascists.

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The general election of 1977 marked a devastating blow for the Indian National Congress (INC). Led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the party faced a resounding defeat, with both Indira Gandhi herself and her son, Sanjay Gandhi, losing their seats in Rae Bareli and Amethi respectively.

One of the significant factors contributing to Congress’ downfall was the controversial family planning program spearheaded by the government during the Emergency period. Sanjay Gandhi, a prominent figure within the party, had imposed a stringent condition for joining the Youth Congress: individuals had to undergo sterilization. This coercive approach to population control sparked widespread outrage and resentment among the public, ultimately leading to electoral repercussions for the Congress in the 1977 elections.

During a Youth Congress rally in Lucknow, Sanjay Gandhi declared that the doors to the Youth Congress were open for individuals under 37 years of age, with one condition – compulsory sterilization. He mandated that at least two men per month must undergo the procedure to be eligible for membership. This authoritarian stance on population control drew condemnation from various quarters, with critics denouncing it as a violation of individual rights and dignity.

Sanjay Gandhi’s rhetoric also targeted political opponents, particularly the Jan Sangh and allied parties, whom he accused of being fascists. Despite receiving praise from figures like the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Narayan Dutt Tiwari, for his initiatives, the sterilization program and its associated controversies tarnished the image of the Congress party and contributed to its defeat in the 1977 elections.

The legacy of the sterilization program serves as a cautionary tale in Indian political history, highlighting the dangers of authoritarian policies and the importance of respecting fundamental rights and democratic principles in governance.

Also Read: “BJP Won’t Halt Till Someone’s Life is Taken”: AAP MP Sanjay Singh Alleges Saffron Party Is Hatching Conspiracy Against Kejriwal

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