On January 19, 1966, Indira Gandhi was elected as the first woman Prime Minister of India, marking a turning point in the country's political history. This was not a straightforward succession; rather, it was the first time since India's independence that the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) had chosen its leader through a full-fledged contest. The rare and tense leadership battle was necessitated by the sudden death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent earlier that month.
Following Shastri's death, Gulzarilal Nanda stepped in as acting Prime Minister. However, the path to selecting a permanent leader was far from clear. Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru's daughter, had served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting under Shastri and had also been Congress President in 1960. Despite her lineage and experience, she didn't have a clear path to the top post.
Several factors contributed to the contest. Firstly, Congress president K. Kamaraj preferred to avoid a clash. However, Morarji Desai, a formidable former Finance Minister, insisted on a ballot, alleging pressure on MPs to support a particular candidate. He argued that chief ministers should not impose their preferences on the CPP. Kamaraj countered that in a federal democracy, the views of the states mattered.
Powerful regional leaders, including chief ministers of 11 of India's then 16 states, rallied behind Indira Gandhi, signaling their support. Despite this strong backing, Desai refused to withdraw, making it a bitterly fought leadership contest. Some political leaders saw Indira as weak and hoped to use her as a puppet, given she was a woman. They also believed that her ability to capitalize on her father's legacy would be an asset in the upcoming general elections.
On the day of the election, the Central Hall of Parliament was filled with anticipation. Indira Gandhi was greeted with cheers as she entered, wearing a white sari and a light brown shawl. The counting process was lengthy, adding to the tension. Finally, the returning officer announced Indira Gandhi's victory. She secured 355 votes, while Morarji Desai received 169.
The announcement was met with thunderous applause. Later that evening, President S. Radhakrishnan invited Gandhi to form a new government. Despite the intense competition, Desai pledged his cooperation. Indira Gandhi, in her first press conference, rejected any claims of unfair play, emphasizing the importance of fearlessness in public life.
Indira Gandhi's election as Prime Minister was a watershed moment. It not only marked the rise of India's first female Prime Minister but also set a new precedent for leadership selection within the Congress Party. The event showcased the internal dynamics and power struggles within the party, highlighting the roles of regional leaders and the evolving nature of Indian politics. It also demonstrated that, despite being seen as a "dumb doll" by some, Indira Gandhi was a force to be reckoned with.
