What were the factors which led to the popularity of Indira Gandhi’s Government in the early 1970s ?
(i) The 1971 elections were followed by the crisis in East Pakistan and the Indo-Pak war leading to the establishment of Bangladesh. These events increased the popularity of Indira Gandhi. Even the opposition leaders admired her statesmanship.
(ii) Indira Gandhi's party swept the State Assembly elections held in 1972. She was seen as the protector of the poor and the underprivileged as well as a strong nationalist leader.
(iii) Following victory in 1971, the Constitution was amended to remove legal obstacles for abolition of privy purses. This added to the popularity of Indira Gandhi's government among the masses.