SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 5

Political Science (028)

Class XII (2024-25)

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
1. The question paper consists of five sections (A, B, C, D and E) with 30 questions
in total.
2. All questions are compulsory.
3. Question numbers 1-12 are multiple choice questions of one mark each.
4. Question numbers 13-18 are of 2 marks each. Answers to these questions should
not exceed 50-60 words each.
5. Question numbers 19-23 are of 4 marks each. Answers to these questions should
not exceed 100-120 words each. There is an internal choice in two of the 4 marks
questions
6. Question numbers 24-26 are passage, cartoon and map-based questions. Answer
accordingly.
7. Question numbers 27-30 are of 6 marks each. Answers to these questions should
not exceed 170-180 words.
8. There is an internal choice in 6 marks questions.
SECTION – A (12 MARKS)
1. Arrange in chronological order: [1]
i. Establishment of Human Rights Council
ii. Yalta Association
iii. Atlantic Charter
iv. India took part in United Nations

a) (ii), (iii), (iv), (i) b) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)

c) (ii), (iv), (i), (iii) d) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)

2. Which project was allotted a huge amount in the first five-year plan? [1]

a) Both Narmada and Bhakra b) Bhakra Nangal project

Nangal project
 c) Narmada project d) Ganga river dam project

3. The party that won the second largest number of Lok Sabha seats in the first [1]
General elections was the

a) Bhartiya janta party b) Bhartiya Jana Sangh

c) Communist Party of India d) Praja Socialist Party

4. When the second Five year plan was launched? [1]

a) 1955 b) 1956

c) 1952 d) 1951

5. Match List I with List II regarding resistance to globalization in India by different [1]
quarters.
List-1 List-2
(a) Left wing (i) cultural influences
(b) Trade unions (ii) Patents on Indian herbs
(c) Right Wing (iii) economic liberalization
(d) Industry (iv) entry of multinationals

a) (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv) b) (a)-(i), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)

c) (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv) d) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)

6. Assertion (A): Movement of the people of Hyderabad State against the Nizam's [1]
rule had gathered force and momentum.
Reason (R): Peasantry and women joined hands against the oppressive rule of the
Nizam.

a) Both A and R are true and R is b) Both A and R are true but R is
the correct explanation of A. not the correct explanation of
A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

7. When was Bangladesh created as a independent country? [1]

a) 1972 b) 1971
 c) 1975 d) 1970

8. The slogan of garibi hatao was used before the: [1]

a) 1967 elections b) 1971 elections

c) 1952 elections d) 1977 elections

9. Meaning of Foreign Policy is: [1]

i. With which one country maintains relations with other countries.
ii. To participate in international political and economic activities.
iii. Maintain relations with other countries in your own country's benefit.

a) (i) and (iii) only b) (i), (ii) and (iii)

c) (ii) and (iii) only d) (i) and (ii) only

10. Assertion (A): Due to shock therapy the value of Russian Rubledeclined. [1]
Reason (R): Ruble is not the currency of the USSR.

a) Both A and R are true and R is b) Both A and R are true but R is
the correct explanation of A. not the correct explanation of
A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

11. The alliance of Akali Dal (Badal) and the BJP scored a major victory in: [1]

a) 1987 b) 1967

c) 1997 d) 1977

12. Which among the following party was not involved in the triangular conflict in [1]
Nepal?

a) The democrats b) The Gorkhas

c) The Monarchist forces d) The Maoists

SECTION- B (12 MARKS)

13. What is the significance of Kyoto Protocol? Is India a signatory to this protocol? [2]

14. Mention any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission. [2]

15. Suggest any four steps that the Government of India should immediately take to [2]
save the environment.

16. What main objective did Indira Gandhi want to achieve the launching a series of [2]
initiatives under the Ten Point Programme in 1967?

17. State the directive principles of state policy relating to foreign affairs policy. [2]

18. How was the dominance of Congress Party in India different from the dominance [2]
of one party in other countries? Explain with any two examples.

SECTION-C (20 MARKS)

19. Describe the various concepts of human security. [4]

20. What are the Millennium Development Goals? [4]

21. What is the significance of Kyoto Protocol? Is India a signatory to this protocol? [4]

OR
"States have common but differentiated responsibilities towards environment" Analyse
the statement giving suitable examples.

22. How does globalisation affect traditional conceptions of State sovereignty? [4]
Explain.

OR
‘A militant group issued a statement threatening college girls who wear western
clothes’. Analyse.

23. “The entire region of North-East has undergone considerable political [4]
reorganisation”. Mention the changes that have taken place since independence.
What were their effects?

SECTION-D (12 MARKS)

24. 1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions: [4]
Study the given cartoon:
 i. The given cartoon is related to which country?
a) Nepal
b) India
c) Sri Lanka
d) Pakistan
ii. The tiger in the given cartoon represents LTTE. Who belonged to this group?
a) Tamil militants
b) Khalistani militants
c) Sinhala hardliner
d) Kashmiri militants
iii. What was the main demand of LTTE?
a) Telugu State
b) Reservations
c) Sinhalese Eelam
d) Tamil Eelam
iv. The international actors, particularly the ________ countries tried to bring the
warring groups of this country back to negotiations.
a) European
b) Scandinavian
c) Western
d) South-Asian

25. In the given outline political map of India, four states have been marked as (A), [4]
(B), (C), (D). Identify these states on the basis of the information given below and
write their correct names in your answer book along with their respective serial
number of the information used and the concerned alphabets as per format that
follows:
i. The state to which the Minister for Communications in the first ministry of free
India belonged.
 ii. The state to which the former Prime Minister Morarji Desai was related
iii. The state to which S. Nijalingappa belonged.
iv. The state-related to former Congress President K. Kamraj.

26. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
(1+1+2)
Just before Independence, it was announced by the British that with the end of their
rule over India, the paramountcy of the British crown over the Princely States
would also lapse. This meant that all these states, as many as 565 in all, would
become legally independent. The British government took the view that all these
states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so
wished. This decision was left not to the people but to the princely rulers of these
states. This was a very serious problem and could threaten the very existence of a
united India. The problems started very soon. First of all, the ruler of Travancore
announced that the state had decided on Independence. The Nizam of Hyderabad
made a similar announcement the next day. Rulers like the Nawab of Bhopal were
averse to joining the Constituent Assembly.
i. How many princely states were there in India at the time of independence?
a. 336
b. 436
 c. 565
d. 665
ii. What was the ruler of Hyderabad was popularly referred to as?
a. Nizam
b. Maharaja
c. Tipu
d. Iron Man
iii. What challenges did the lapse of British paramountcy pose to the unity of India
just before Independence, and how did some princely states respond?

SECTION-E (24 MARKS)

27. What were the factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in the USSR? [6]

OR
How did the Soviet Union suddenly disintegrated? Explain any six reasons.

28. Explain any four steps taken by China to develop its economy. [6]

OR
Name the pillars and the objectives of the ASEAN Community.

29. Highlight any three factors that you think are responsible for the victory of National [6]
Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2019 election continuously for the second time.

OR
“The end of Eighties of the 20th century witnessed developments which made a long
lasting impact on Indian parities”. Assess any five such developments,

30. Explain any six factors responsible for the defeat of the Congress Party in 1977 [6]
elections.

OR
The 1977 elections for the first time saw the Opposition coming into power at the
Centre. What would you consider as the reasons for this development?
 Solution
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 5
Political Science (028)
Class XII (2024-25)
SECTION – A (12 MARKS)
1.
(d) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
Explanation:
(iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
2.
(b) Bhakra Nangal project
Explanation:
Bhakra Nangal project
3.
(c) Communist Party of India
Explanation:
When the final results were declared, the extent of the victory of the Congress did surprise
many. The party won 364 of the 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha and finished way ahead of
any other challenger. The Communist Party of India that came next in terms of seats
won only 16 seats.
4.
(b) 1956
Explanation:
1956
5.
(d) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)
Explanation:
(a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)
6. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
7.
(b) 1971
Explanation:
1971
8.
(b) 1971 elections
 Explanation:
Before the 1971 elections, Indira Gandhi put forward a positive programme through the
famous slogan of garibi hatao and tried to generate a support base among the
disadvantaged, especially among the landless labourers.
9.
(b) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Explanation:
(i), (ii) and (iii)
10.
(c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation:
A is true but R is false.
11.
(c) 1997
Explanation:
1997
12.
(b) The Gorkhas
Explanation:
There was a huge influence of Maoists in many parts of Nepal who believed in armed
insurrection against the monarch and the ruling elite. Hence, a triangular conflict among
the Monarchist forces, the democrats and the Maoists took place for some time. The
parliament was abolished and the government was dismissed by the king in 2002.
SECTION- B (12 MARKS)
13. i. India joined 160 countries that have signed and ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which
provide a roadmap for reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases to check global
warming.
ii. India is a signatory to this protocol.
14. Two recommendations of the Mandal Commission are:
Reserving 27% seat in educational institutions and government jobs for OBCs.
Land reforms to improve the conditions of the OBCs.
The Commission also recommended backward classes should be that understood to
mean backward 'castes'.
(any TWO)
15. The Government of India should take the following steps to save the environment:
i. Ensure sustainable and equitable use of resources without degrading the environment or
risking health or safety and improve the condition and productivity of degraded areas.
 ii. Conserve and enhance natural and man-made heritage including biological diversity of
unique ecosystems.
iii. Raising aq\wareness and understanding of the link between environment and
development.
iv. Promoting individual and community participation and proposing strategies,
mechanisms, economic and social instruments for improving environmental quality.
16. She wanted to give the government policy a left orientation.
17. Directive Principles of State Policy for the promotion of international peace and security.
The state shall endeavour to:
(i) Promote international peace and security.
(ii) Maintain just and honorable relations between nation.
(iii) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized
people with one another.
(iv) Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
18. In countries like China, Cuba, and Syria, the constitution allows only a single party to
rule, ensuring one-party dominance by compromising democracy.
In nations such as Myanmar, Belarus, Egypt, and Eritrea, one-party dominance is
maintained through legal and military measures.
Until recently, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan were effectively one-party states due
to similar non-democratic practices.
In contrast, the dominance of the Congress party in India occurred under democratic
conditions with free and fair elections. Multiple parties contested elections, yet the
Congress consistently won.
SECTION-C (20 MARKS)
19. Human Security is about the protection of people more than the protection of states.
i. All proponents of human security agree that its primary goal is the protection of
individuals. The narrow concept of human security focuses on violent threats to
individuals. The board concept of human security argues that the threat agenda should
include hunger, disease and natural disasters.
ii. Human security policy, they argue, should protect people from these threats as well as
from violence. In its broadest formulation, the human security agenda also encompasses
economic security and 'threats to human dignity'. Put differently, the broadest
formulation stresses what has been called 'freedom from want' and 'freedom from fear'
respectively.
20. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the goals with measurable targets and
clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world's poorest people.
The Millennium Development Goal can be categorised as follows:
 1. Anti-terrorism initiatives.
2. Promotion of globalisation.
3. Environmental Protection.
4. Enhancement and protection of Human Rights.
21. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) is an international agreement providing a road map for
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases to check global warming. Yes, India is a
signatory to Kyoto Protocol.
The significance of Kyoto Protocol is stated in the points below:
i. Kyoto Protocol frames an action plan so as to reduce emission of greenhouse gases
proportionately for global North and global South countries of the world.
ii. Kyoto Protocol had cleared the confusion regarding responsibilities of all countries
belonging to global North and global South.
iii. Kyoto Protocol decided that global North will provide global South with financial and
technological resources so as to meet existing commitments.
iv. United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has set out the
principles and allocated different targets for preserving global common.
v. India, China and other developing countries are exempted from the responsibility
regarding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
OR
India believes in the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and
therefore is of the view that the major responsibility of curbing emission rest with the
developed countries, which have accumulated emissions over a long period of time.
India announced in the G-8 meeting that the developing countries emissions are
merely a small fraction of that of the developed nations on the basis of principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities, India is of the opinion that the developed
countries should take the responsibility to curb this problem as they have accumulated
emission over a broad period of time.
At the G-8 meeting in June 2005, India pointed out that the per capita emission rates
of the developing countries are a tiny fraction of those in the developed world.
A review of the implementation of the agreements at the Earth Summit in Rio was
undertaken by India in 1997. There had been no meaningful progress with respect to
transfer of new and additional environmentally-sound technology on friendly terms to
developing countries, to enable them to meet their commitments under UNFCCC.
India's international negotiation position relies heavily on principles of historical
responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC.
India wants that SAARC countries should adopt a common position of major global
environmental issues, so that region voice carries greater weight.
 Thus, it can be concluded that states have common but differentiated responsibilities
towards the environment.
22. 1. Erosion of State Capacity: Globalization leads to a reduction in the government's
ability to perform its traditional functions effectively.
2. Shift from Welfare State to Minimalist State: The traditional welfare state is being
replaced by a minimalist state focused on core functions like law and order and citizen
security, while withdrawing from roles in economic and social well-being.
3. Market as the Primary Force: The market, rather than the state, becomes the main
determinant of economic and social priorities under globalization.
4. Reduced Government Decision-Making Power: The increasing role of multinational
companies worldwide reduces the capacity of governments to make independent
decisions.
OR
The cultural effects of globalisation lead to the fear that this process poses a threat to
cultures in the world. ‘A militant group issued a statement threatening college girls who
wear western clothes’ this statement refers to the cultural implications of globalisation in
the form of fear of a defence group about the imposition of western culture to lead a
shrinkage of rich cultural heritage. Such kind of globalisation leads to the rise of a uniform
culture or cultural homogenisation. Thus, the culture of the politically and economically,
dominant society leaves its imprint on a less powerful society. This is dangerous not only
for the poor countries but for the whole of humanity, for it leads to the shrinking of the
rich cultural heritage of the entire globe.
23. a. The following changes have taken place in North-East since independence :
i. Nagaland State was created in 1960.
ii. Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura became States in 1972.
iii. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram became separate States in 1987.
iv. Earlier the partition had reduced the North-East to a landlocked region and affected
its economy.
b. i. The region suffered neglect in developmental terms because it was cut off from the
rest of India.
ii. Its politics remained insulated.
iii. The region underwent demographic changes due to the influx of migrants from
neighbouring states and countries.
SECTION-D (12 MARKS)
24. i. (c) Sri Lanka
ii. (a) Tamil militants
iii. (d) Tamil Eelam
 iv. (b) Scandinavian

25. Sr. Number of the information used Alphabet concerned Name of State
(i) A Uttar Pradesh
(ii) C Gujarat
(iii) B Karnataka
(iv) D Tamil Nadu
26. i. (c) 565
ii. (a) Tipu
iii. The lapse of British paramountcy allowed princely states to choose independence, join
India, or Pakistan, creating a threat to India's unity. Rulers like those of Travancore and
Hyderabad declared independence, while others, like the Nawab of Bhopal, were
hesitant to join the Constituent Assembly, complicating efforts to unify India.
SECTION-E (24 MARKS)
27. The factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in the Soviet Union were :
i. The most important factor was to keep the USSR well aware of the revolutions taking
place in the field of information and technology in the West. Gorbachev was well aware
of the standard of technology in USSR.
ii. Gorbachev wanted to make USSR an advanced country which could catch up with or
outpace the Western countries particularly the US. It was a step for democratization.
iii. Gorbachev was a liberal in his outlook. He favored normalization of ties of the USSR
with the rest of the world. Among his top priorities was to forge better relations with the
Western countries.
iv. Gorbachev faced administrative stagnation in the Soviet system because of lack of
democracy coupled with mounting corruption.
v. Gorbachev derived his motivation for reforms in the need to address the legacy of the
economic, social and political stagnation which took shape in the regime of Brezhnev.
They marked the economic decline of the decade 1976-1985 challenged the military
and political supremacy of the USSR.
vi. Foreign policy complications aided by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in
1979 compelled Gorbachev to reinvigorate the Soviet command economy to usher in
the era of economic prosperity.
vii. The rate of growth of the Soviet economy has slowed down to roughly two percent in
the past three years. This drop in the rate of growth– largely due to four consecutive
years of extremely unfavorable weather conditions which led to poor harvests – is what
has been seized upon by some as evidence of Soviet socialism’s final downturn. It has
been one of the reason that forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in USSR.
 OR
There had been many reasons behind the disintegration of the USSR, some of the reasons
for the disintegration of the USSR are:
i. Leadership crisis: It was the most important cause for the disintegration of the Soviet
Union. There was no clear cut line between the party and government as there was one
political party which was wielding power. The leader of the Communist Party of Soviet
Union (CPSU) was placed at the helm of affairs of the government/state. The CPSU
managed to impress people for a substantial period. However, later on, the leadership of
the CPSU lost its sheen owing to corruption and simultaneously lost people's
confidence. At the times, there was no strong leader to lead the people and keep the
confidence of the people.
ii. Gorbachev's policies: Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of Perestroika and Glasnost
proved to be disastrous for the economic health of the USSR. He did not create
conducive conditions for the implementation of the twin policies. Gorbachev ignored
the presence of anti-communist forces and did not try to uproot them from the Soviet
Union. It resulted in confusion in the mind of public and government entities went into
the hand of selfish industrialists.
iii. Anti-communist elements had reached its peak: Gorbachev's ignorance and his
liberal outlook, in turn, strengthened the anti-communist forces in Eastern Europe. I set
up the stage for the progress and creating a way for anti-communist forces into the
republics of USSR. Consequently, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Poland,
Bulgaria and East Germany witnessed the downfall of the communist regimes. These
sudden developments paved way for the disintegration of the USSR.
iv. Economic stagnation: The Soviet economy remained stagnant for many years which
led to severe consumer shortages. Production of consumer goods had been kept on
secondary preference and primary preference was given to the production of weapons
and war-related goods. Much of the resources were used in maintaining a nuclear and
military arsenal and the development of its satellite states.
v. Stagnant administration: The administration and political system of the Soviet Union
became stagnant. The Communist Party that ruled the Soviet Union for over 70 years
was not accountable to the people. Rampant corruption, unwillingness to allow more
openness in government led to the collapse of the system. It led the republics of the
United States of Soviet Russia to go for alternatives.
vi. The rise of nationalism and desires: The final and the most immediate cause for the
disintegration of the USSR was the rise of nationalism and the desire for sovereignty
within various republics including Russia and the Baltic Republics. There were
 differences regarding the steps for development among the republics of USSR, resulted
in the disintegration of USSR.
28. China followed its own path in introducing a market economy. The Chinese did not go for
‘shock therapy’ but opened their economy step by step.
Established relations with the US: The Chinese leadership took major policy
decisions in the 1970s. China ended its political and economic isolation with the
establishment of relations with the United States in 1972.
Proposed four areas of modernization: Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the ‘four
modernisations’ (agriculture, industry, science and technology and military) in 1973.
Announced open door policy: By 1978, the then leader Deng Xiaoping announced
the ‘open door’ policy and economic reforms in China. The policy was to generate
higher productivity by investments of capital and technology from abroad.
Followed policy of privatization: China adopted the policy of privatisation by
privatizing agriculture in 1982 followed by the privatization of industry in 1998.
Removed trade barriers from SEZ: Trade barriers were eliminated only in Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) where foreign investors could set up enterprises. In China,
the state played and continues to play a central role in setting up a market economy.
(Any four points)
OR
a. The pillars of the ASEAN Community are the ASEAN Security Community, the
ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ASEAN
was established in 1967 by five countries of this region Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
b. The objectives of the ASEAN Community were primarily to:
i. Accelerate economic growth and through that social progress and cultural
development.
ii. Promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of
the United Nation’s Charter.
iii. ASEAN countries have celebrated what has become known as the 'ASEAN Way', a
form of interaction that is informal, non-confrontationist and cooperative. The
respect for national sovereignty is critical to the functioning of ASEAN.
iv. Later on, its objectives were broadened and thus in 2003, three pillars i.e. the
ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN
Socio-Cultural Community were established. The objective of ASEAN Security
Community is to uphold peace so that outstanding territorial disputes are not
escalated into armed confrontations.
29. The following are the reasons for the NDA's continued victory in the 2019 election for a
second term:
i. Women Support: The NDA gained women's support by implementing initiatives such
as the Swachh Bharat Mission, the distribution of LPG cylinders through the Ujwala
Yojana, and the abolition of the evil practice of triple talaq.
ii. Working at the Grassroot level: Free ration distribution, increased NREGA
allocations, cash assistance to women Jan Dhan account holders, credit guarantee
scheme for MSMEs, and loan repayment moratorium during the first wave of COVID.
iii. Weak Opposition: To compete with the NDA, the opposition parties lacked a strong
leader and better agendas. Many political parties are mired in dynastic succession,
resulting in a weak opposition.
OR
The end of the eighties of the 20th century witnessed five major developments which had
a lasting impact on Indian politics which are as follows:
a. End of Congress system: The end of Congress system means the dominance of
Congress for two decades. But the most important event was the defeat of Congress
party in the 1989's elections when the party had won only 197 seats, which was very
low in comparison to 1984 elections where the party won 415 seats. Congress boosted
up its performance and finally, it came back into power in 1991, after Rajiv Gandhi's
assassination. But the elections of 1989 marked the end of what political scientists have
called the 'Congress system'. Congress remained a major party but it lost its dominance
as it enjoyed earlier in the party system.
b. Mandal issue: The Mandal issue started with the National Front Government's decision
to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission in 1990. The
recommendation was that 27 percent of job in the Central Government should be
reserved for other backward classes' candidates only. Hence, it brought widespread
agitation and anger and frustration. This conflict between supporters and opponents of
OBC and Dalits, etc., the reservation was popularly called the 'Mandal issue'. It played
a crucial role in shaping Indian politics since 1989.
c. New economic reforms: The new economic reforms were announced as the structural
adjustment programme. These reforms were initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, but these were
more visible in Narasimha Rao's Governance in the year of 1991. These reforms faced
much criticism, but the upcoming governments have continued to follow these reforms.
d. Ayodhya Issue: The Ayodhya Issue was started with the demolition of the Babri Masjid
in December 1992. This incident led to violence and many questions were raised about
the nature of Indian Nationalism and secularism. This issue exemplified, cleared and
 provoked various changes in the politics of the country and guided the rise of the BJP
and the Hindutva Policy.
e. The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: There was a change in leadership due to the
assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. He was assassinated during his election
campaign at Tamil Nadu by a Sri Lankan Tamil linked to the LTTE. Although the death
of Rajiv Gandhi led to the appointment of Narasimha Rao as the Prime Minister of
India, the elections of 1991 witnessed the Congress Party emerging as the largest single
party ever in India.
30. In January 1977, after 18 months of emergency, the government decided to hold the
elections. Accordingly, all the leaders and activists were released from jails. The decision
was quick, parties did not have enough time for preparation. The Janata Party which had
formed during the pre-emergence period by a coalition of various anti-Congress and anti-
emergency parties decided to fight against Congress. The result of 1977 came out with a
big surprise to the country. For the first time since, independence, the Congress party was
defeated in the Lok Sabha. The Congress could win only 154 seats in the Lok Sabha. Its
share of popular votes fell to less than 35%. The Janata Party and its allies won 330 out of
the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha; Janata party itself won 295 seats and thus enjoyed a clear
majority. The main reason behind the Congress defeat in 1977 was:
i. Its anti-democratic decisions.
ii. Imposition of emergency had a negative impact on the image of Congress.
iii. During the emergency, Congress had used harsh measures like demolition, the forced
sterilisation, forced relocation and displacements etc. That is why people decided not to
elect Congress representative to the next Lok Sabha election and the Janata Party, who
gave public a bright look of democracy and was sympathetic towards public, was
elected.
iv. The middle castes from North India were beginning to move away from the Congress
and the Janata Party became a platform for many different groups of people to come
together.
v. It can be said that voters punished anti-democratic government.
OR
The 1977 elections were evolved as a shock to everyone as Congress party was defeated
for the very first time and opposition party came into power. The following were the
reasons for this development:
i. The opposition fought the election on the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against the
imposition of emergency earlier.
ii. The Janata Party made this election into a referendum on the Emergency. Its campaign
was focused on the non- democratic character of the rule and on the various excesses
 that took place during an emergency.
iii. In the backdrop of arrests of thousands of persons and the censorship of the Press, the
public opinion was against the Congress. Jayaprakash Narayan became the popular
symbol of restoration of democracy.
iv. The formation of the Janata Party also ensured that non-Congress votes would not be
divided.
v. The middle castes form north India were beginning to move away from Congress and
the Janata Party became a platform for many of these sections to come together.
Hence, elections of 1977 were not merely about emergency only.