Which candidate was supported by Smt. Indira Gandhi for the 1969 presidential elections?

V.V. Giri

In the past, the Congress party had experienced internal differences of a similar nature. However, on this occasion, both factions were determined to confront each other, leading to a significant showdown during the Presidential elections. At that time, the Congress President, S. Nijalingappa, issued a directive known as a 'whip,' instructing all Congress MPs and MLAs to support the official party candidate, Sanjeeva Reddy. Concurrently, supporters of Indira Gandhi attempted to convene a special meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), earning them the label 'requisitionists.' However, their request was denied. While tacitly endorsing V.V. Giri, the Prime Minister later openly called for a 'conscience vote,' allowing Congress MPs and MLAs the freedom to vote according to their individual choices. Ultimately, the election culminated in the triumph of V.V. Giri, an independent candidate, resulting in the defeat of Sanjeeva Reddy, who had been endorsed as the official Congress candidate.