This document is Charan Singh's personal account/ reflection on the political landscape of India during the 1970s and early 1980s. It provides insights into the formation and subsequent challenges faced by the Janata Party, which came to power in 1977 following the Emergency period.
Singh begins by recounting efforts in 1974-75 to forge a united political organization comprising various democratic parties, including the Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLD), Jan Sangh, Congress (O), and Socialist Party. These efforts were initially unsuccessful but gained traction after the imposition of the Emergency, leading to the formation of the Janata Party.
Singh expresses disappointment with the performance of the Janata government, led by Prime Minister Morarji Desai. He criticizes the government's failure to cleanse public life, improve administration, or provide hope to the masses. He also alleges misconduct by high-ranking party members and accuses the government of bringing the country to the brink of economic and administrative chaos.
A significant portion of the text focuses on internal party dynamics and power struggles within the Janata Party. Singh claims that Desai, fearing a threat to his position, increasingly relied on the RSS and adopted attitudes that encouraged communal trends. The document also details how members of the erstwhile BLD were systematically removed from positions of power in states and eliminated from the party organization.
Singh provides examples of what he perceives as discrimination against BLD members, including the overthrow of BLD-affiliated Chief Ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and the underrepresentation of BLD members in various party committees and election panels.
The document concludes by describing the events leading up to a significant political shift in July 1979. He mentions a meeting of his co-workers on June 21, 1979, to discuss their future strategy. He then recounts how remarks made by Prime Minister Desai at a press conference, allegations of misconduct involving Desai's son, and a No-Confidence Motion tabled on July 9 led to a situation that he could not control, resulting in a major political upheaval.
This document provides a firsthand account of the internal conflicts and power dynamics within the Janata Party during its brief tenure in government, offering valuable insights into a crucial period in India's political history.