In the years preceding the fourth general elections, the nation observed significant transformations. Two Prime Ministers had passed away in rapid sequence, and the fresh Prime Minister, who was perceived as a political neophyte, had held office for fewer than twelve months. The era was marked by a severe economic turmoil caused by consecutive monsoon failures, extensive drought, reduced agricultural output, acute food scarcity, draining of foreign currency reserves, decline in industrial output and exports, along with a substantial increase in defense spending and the redirection of resources from planning and economic growth.

Name the state where for the first time a non-Congress party secured a majority of its own in 1967.

In Madras State (now called Tamil Nadu).

In Madras State (now called Tamil Nadu), a regional party — the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power by securing a clear majority in 1967 elections. The DMK won power after having led a massive anti-Hindi agitation by students against the centre on the issue of the imposition of Hindi as the official language. This was the first time any non-Congress party had secured a majority of its own in any State.