The primary challenge to Indira Gandhi didn't arise from external opposition but rather from within her own political party. She confronted the 'syndicate,' a formidable group comprising influential figures from the Congress. The syndicate had played a pivotal role in Indira Gandhi's ascent to Prime Ministership by ensuring her election as the parliamentary party leader. These leaders expected her compliance with their guidance. Over time, Indira Gandhi aimed to establish her authority within both the government and the party. She formed a circle of trusted advisors from beyond the party, slowly sidelining the syndicate with careful deliberation. The tensions between the syndicate and Indira Gandhi escalated openly in 1969. That year, following the demise of President Zakir Hussain, the position of the President of India became vacant. Despite reservations from Mrs. Gandhi, the syndicate successfully nominated her long-standing opponent for the role.

Who was the member nominated to the post of President by the Congress Party in the 1969 presidential election of India?

N. Sanjeeva Reddy

The factional rivalry between the Syndicate and Indira Gandhi came in the open in 1969. Following President Zakir Hussain’s death, the post of President of the India fell vacant that year. Despite Mrs Gandhi’s reservations the ‘syndicate’ managed to nominate her long time opponent and then speaker of the Lok Sabha, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for the ensuing Presidential elections. Indira Gandhi retaliated by encouraging the then Vice-President, V.V. Giri, to file his nomination as an independent candidate.