Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

Politics in India Since Independence: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System

Question:

Which political parties were part of the coalition government in Punjab during the 1967 elections?

Options:

Two rival Akali parties, communist parties, Republican Party, Socialist Party and Jana Sangh

Indian National Congress and Jana Sangh

Communist Party of India (Marxist), Jana Sangh and Akali Dal

Republican Party, Akali Dal, Indian National Congress and Jana Sangh

Correct Answer:

Two rival Akali parties, communist parties, Republican Party, Socialist Party and Jana Sangh

Explanation:

The elections of 1967 marked the emergence of a notable political phenomenon - coalition politics. With no single party securing a majority, various non-Congress parties united to form joint legislative groups, referred to as "Samyukt Vidhayak Dal" in Hindi, to back non-Congress governments. As a result, these governing entities earned the designation of SVD governments. Notably, most of these coalitions comprised partners with differing ideological orientations.

For instance, the SVD government in Bihar showcased a diverse composition, including the participation of two socialist parties - SSP and PSP - alongside the left-leaning Communist Party of India (CPI) and the right-leaning Jana Sangh. Similarly, in Punjab, a coalition known as the 'Popular United Front' came into existence, featuring the rival Akali factions - the Sant group and the Master group - alongside both communist parties (CPI and CPI(M)), the Socialist Party (SSP), the Republican Party, and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.