Assertion: In the 1971 elections, the new Congress had something that its big opponents lacked.
Reason: The new Congress led by Indira Gandhi had an issue, an agenda, and a positive slogan.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

The reformed Congress possessed a distinguishing factor that its major opponents lacked – a clear-cut issue, a comprehensive agenda, and a positive rallying cry. In contrast, the Grand Alliance struggled to establish a unified political plan. Indira Gandhi pointed out that the opposition alliance seemed to have only a singular objective: "Indira Hatao" (Remove Indira). In stark comparison, she presented a constructive agenda encapsulated in the renowned slogan: "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty). Her focus encompassed the expansion of the public sector, implementation of land and property ownership limits in rural and urban areas, reduction of economic and opportunity disparities, and the elimination of privileges granted to erstwhile princely states. Through the "garibi hatao" slogan, Indira Gandhi endeavored to cultivate a support base among the underprivileged segments of society, including landless laborers, Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, women, and unemployed youth. The "garibi hatao" slogan, along with its accompanying initiatives, formed a key element of Indira Gandhi's strategic approach to construct a self-reliant nationwide political backing.