Prime minister Indira Gandhi (1914-1984)

Emir Veledar Jonathan Calliste

November 15, 2011

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)

Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Indian politician Jawaharlal Nehru.

Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister. He was a key figure in the events that

led to India gaining independence.

Indira Gandhi worked closely with her father during his tenure as prime

minister. When he passed away in 1964, there was confusion as to who would

take his spot.

Indira Gandhi became prime minister in 1966. She excelled in office because she was a powerful speaker. She did a great deal of travelling and gained support by instituting new left-wing policies. One of the staples of her campaign was to fight hunger and poverty.

War of 1971The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a

military conflict between India and Pakistan. The conflict only lasted 13

days. Prime minister Indira Gandhi was boosted her popularity by defeating Pakistan in this war. As a result, East

Pakistan seceded as the independent state of Bangladesh.

Did she help Indian democracy?

Golden Temple

Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs in Amristar.

Sikhs

The Sikh separatists, lead by a man named Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, occupied the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs in Amristar. The Sikh separatists used the Golden Temple as a haven and arsenal stronghold.

1984: Indira Gandhi is assassinated.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984. While she was in her garden, two of her bodyguards unleashed a barrage of gunfire that

struck the prime minister.

Police Report of the Assassination

Extract from the original F.I.R. written in Hindi / English(Courtesy Police Station Tughlak Road)

Assassination of Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi was rushed to the hospital after the barrage of bullets. Surgery was attempted to remove the bullets, but Gandhi did not survive the procedure.

Anti-Sikh Riots

The population which had a Hindu majority were infuriated that the Sikhs killed their prime minister. Anti-Sikh riots erupted all over New Delhi where Sikhs were targeted

and slaughtered.

Anti-Sikh Riots

These riot mobs were led by congressmen and a passive government watched, looking helpless even unwilling to help the Sikhs and stop the violence. Some of the government officials even were involved in the attacks.

1984 Assassination Aftermath

In just three days, over three thousand Sikhs were killed.

Indira Gandhi

From 1967 to 1974, she was viewed as a strong Indian patriot who took critical actions to strengthen her newly independent nation. Indira Gandhi was a strong patriot but

also a deeply flawed democrat who chose the wrong ways to show her patriotism. There are many mixed feelings and about Indira Gandhi; some view her as an Indian hero while others view her as a ruthless power hungry dictator; regardless she was a

huge influence in the history of India.

News Clips

• CNN Newshttp://youtu.be/gekp9-GFWfM

• IBN CNN News http://youtu.be/T2NM2PK8QTM