Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

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

Question:

The factional rivalry between the Syndicate and Indira Gandhi came to a head in 1969, marked by a significant event. Following the passing of President Zakir Hussain, the vacancy for the President of India emerged that year. Despite Indira Gandhi's reservations, the 'Syndicate,' a group within the Indian National Congress, successfully nominated her longstanding political rival and then-Speaker of the Lok Sabha, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections.
In response, Indira Gandhi took a decisive stance by urging the Vice-President at the time, V.V. Giri, to enter the race as an independent candidate. Simultaneously, she introduced several noteworthy and popular policy initiatives, including the nationalization of fourteen prominent private banks and the abolition of the 'privy purse'.
Notably, Morarji Desai, who held the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister during this period, found himself at odds with the Prime Minister on both of these crucial matters. These differences escalated to the point where Morarji Desai chose to resign from the government.

Whom did the 'syndicate' choose as the official Congres candidate for the Presidential Elections of 1969?

Options:

V.V. Giri

Zakir Hussain

Morarji Desai

N. Sanjeeva Reddy

Correct Answer:

N. Sanjeeva Reddy

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 4 - N. Sanjeeva Reddy

As per the passage:

Despite Indira Gandhi's reservations, the 'Syndicate,' a group within the Indian National Congress, successfully nominated her longstanding political rival and then-Speaker of the Lok Sabha, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections.