Indian elections in 1971 started with congress 'Garibi hatao' slogans. As oil prices increased in the international markets, India too was captured in the inflation. Rising prices of oil, foodgrains and other essential commodities led to massive protests in many parts of the country. Students' protests in Gujarat and Bihar during 1974 led to the emergence of leaders such as Morarji Desai, and Jayaprakash Narayan among others.

Moreover, there was a railway strike organised by George Fernandes to meet the demand of improved working conditions and bonus for the Railway employees. The period also saw the conflict between the judiciary and the executive. This conflict culminated in the famous Kesavananda Bharti case, and later into a ruling declaring Indira Gandhi's election invalid.

As the Allahabad High Court passed a judgement to this effect, the stage was set for a political confrontation between Congress and opposition parties led by Jayaprakash Narayan.

These events finally led to the declaration of emergency by the government on 25th June 1975.

In which two states students protested against rising food prices, oil etc.?

(1) Haryana & Punjab

(2) Gujarat & Maharastra

(3) Bihar & Gujarat

(4) Bihar & Rajasthan

3

The correct answer is Option 3 - 3 (Bihar & Gujarat)

Students’ protests in Gujarat and Bihar, both of which were Congress ruled States, had far reaching impact on the politics of the two States and national politics. In January 1974 students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places. The students’ protest was joined by major opposition parties and became widespread leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state.

In March 1974 students came together in Bihar to protest against rising prices, food scarcity, unemployment and corruption. After a point they invited Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who had given up active politics and was involved in social work, to lead the student movement. He accepted it on the condition that the movement will remain non-violent and will not limit itself to Bihar.