July 5, 2026

March 2026

Updated: Mar 24, 2026, 17:39 IST

Updated: Mar 24, 2026, 17:39 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Lalit Modi, former Indian Premier League commissioner (TOI) With the sale of the Rajasthan Royals franchise, there is a growing sense that the long, lingering shadow of Lalit Modi over the team, and to an extent the league, may finally begin to fade. Lalit Modi, former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner, has remained a controversial…

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MSU admit card 2026 for annual examinations released at msuweb.in: Direct link to download here

MSU admit card 2026 for annual examinations released at msuweb.in: Direct link to download here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MSU annual examinations admit card 2026: Maa Shakumbhari University (MSU), Saharanpur, has released the admit cards for its upcoming examinations on the official website, msuweb.in. The “Annual admit card 2026 window” has been activated on the official website. According to the university’s schedule, it will remain accessible from March 23 to May 28, 2026 (till…

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry team up for new polo drama series amid ‘strained deal’ with the streamer: What we know

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry team up for new polo drama series amid ‘strained deal’ with the streamer: What we know

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are diving into something new with an OTT giant: a scripted drama series all about polo. The announcement comes right after reports that their relationship with the streaming giant is a bit rocky. Still, they’re not slowing down.Here’s all we know about what’s going on with their latest project, their…

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5 family habits you should unlearn and why

5 family habits you should unlearn and why

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Every family has an “Elephant in the Room”—maybe it’s money stress, a mental health struggle, or an old grievance. We stay silent because we think it protects the peace, but unaddressed problems don’t disappear; they just ferment. The Human Shift: You don’t have to solve everything in one night. Just opening the door—”Hey, I’ve been…

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PM Modi compares fuel crisis to Covid-19 in Parliament; Rahul Gandhi says ‘don’t forget the deaths’

PM Modi compares fuel crisis to Covid-19 in Parliament; Rahul Gandhi says ‘don’t forget the deaths’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for comparing the current fuel crisis sitution to that of Covid-19 in his Parliamentary address on Monday. The Congress leader remarked that the PM has “forgotten what had happened then, how many people had died and what kind of tragedies…

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NEW DELHI: 31-year-old Harish Rana, the first person to be granted passive euthanasia in India, passed away at AIIMS-Delhi on Tuesday after remaining in a vegetative state for over 13 years, according to PTI. Rana had been in a vegetative state since August 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh.The Supreme Court had on March 11 allowed passive euthanasia in Rana’s case, reigniting debate over the ethical and legal distinction between “letting a patient die” and actively ending life.A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan referenced William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” while interpreting the Right to Die. “The famous literary Shakespeare quote ‘To be or not to be’ is now being used for judicially interpreting the ‘Right to Die,” Justice Pardiwala noted.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleThe bench also praised Rana’s parents for their decision, saying, “You are not giving up on your son. You are allowing him to live with dignity.”The court observed that continued administration of Clinically Assisted Nutrition (CAN) was not in Rana’s best interest and directed AIIMS to ensure a dignified withdrawal of life support.Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in cases where a patient is terminally ill or has no chance of recovery, allowing a natural death. This is distinct from active euthanasia, which involves deliberate intervention to cause death and remains illegal in India.In October 2024, the Union health ministry issued draft guidelines on the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients. These state that such decisions must be based on considered medical opinion and can be taken under specific conditions, including brainstem death, advanced illness with no benefit from aggressive treatment, informed refusal by the patient or surrogate, and adherence to Supreme Court procedures.While Indian courts have recognised passive euthanasia under strict safeguards and medical oversight, active euthanasia continues to be prohibited under current law.Also read: How Harish Rana’s case revived memories of Aruna Shanbaug’s long, silent fight for dignity in deathAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisTamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia ConflictDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia“Pak Is Just Dysfunctional”: Fareed Zakaria Explains India-Pakistan Growth Gap123PhotostoriesVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them8 satvik foods to eat during Navratri for energy and balanceTop 7 tallest buildings of Mumbai that define the city’s skyline8 high-protein meal ideas for Navratri Ashtami fasting4 meditation practices from Hindu wisdom that guide the mind towards peaceFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Dipika Kakar: TV actresses who proved it’s never too late to embrace motherhood10 heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Indian summers9 fruits you should eat with the peel and how to remove pesticides safely123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

NEW DELHI: 31-year-old Harish Rana, the first person to be granted passive euthanasia in India, passed away at AIIMS-Delhi on Tuesday after remaining in a vegetative state for over 13 years, according to PTI. Rana had been in a vegetative state since August 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh.The Supreme Court had on March 11 allowed passive euthanasia in Rana’s case, reigniting debate over the ethical and legal distinction between “letting a patient die” and actively ending life.A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan referenced William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” while interpreting the Right to Die. “The famous literary Shakespeare quote ‘To be or not to be’ is now being used for judicially interpreting the ‘Right to Die,” Justice Pardiwala noted.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleThe bench also praised Rana’s parents for their decision, saying, “You are not giving up on your son. You are allowing him to live with dignity.”The court observed that continued administration of Clinically Assisted Nutrition (CAN) was not in Rana’s best interest and directed AIIMS to ensure a dignified withdrawal of life support.Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in cases where a patient is terminally ill or has no chance of recovery, allowing a natural death. This is distinct from active euthanasia, which involves deliberate intervention to cause death and remains illegal in India.In October 2024, the Union health ministry issued draft guidelines on the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients. These state that such decisions must be based on considered medical opinion and can be taken under specific conditions, including brainstem death, advanced illness with no benefit from aggressive treatment, informed refusal by the patient or surrogate, and adherence to Supreme Court procedures.While Indian courts have recognised passive euthanasia under strict safeguards and medical oversight, active euthanasia continues to be prohibited under current law.Also read: How Harish Rana’s case revived memories of Aruna Shanbaug’s long, silent fight for dignity in deathAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisTamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia ConflictDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia“Pak Is Just Dysfunctional”: Fareed Zakaria Explains India-Pakistan Growth Gap123PhotostoriesVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them8 satvik foods to eat during Navratri for energy and balanceTop 7 tallest buildings of Mumbai that define the city’s skyline8 high-protein meal ideas for Navratri Ashtami fasting4 meditation practices from Hindu wisdom that guide the mind towards peaceFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Dipika Kakar: TV actresses who proved it’s never too late to embrace motherhood10 heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Indian summers9 fruits you should eat with the peel and how to remove pesticides safely123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: 31-year-old Harish Rana, the first person to be granted passive euthanasia in India, passed away at AIIMS-Delhi on Tuesday after remaining in a vegetative state for over 13 years, according to PTI. Rana had been in a vegetative state since August 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh.The Supreme Court had on…

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Who is Bimal Oberoi? All about the actor who played Shirani Baloch in Ranveer Singh’s ‘ ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

Who is Bimal Oberoi? All about the actor who played Shirani Baloch in Ranveer Singh’s ‘ ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller storms box office with Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal. Bimal Oberoi, actor-producer (PK, Tiger 3), plays radical leader inspired by Maulana Shirani & Akbar Bugti. Short but powerful role adds tension. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is storming the box office right now. It has propelled its…

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‘Kill network’: China sees red as Japan deploys upgraded long-range Type-12 missiles

‘Kill network’: China sees red as Japan deploys upgraded long-range Type-12 missiles

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

China’s People’s Liberation Army sharply condemned Japan’s planned deployment of upgraded Type‑12 surface-to-ship missiles, warning that the move could establish a “kill network” capable of striking both coastal and inland targets in neighbouring countries. The criticism comes as Tokyo prepares to expand its long-range strike capabilities amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the East China…

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This image is used for representation purpose only (AI-generated) On a quiet March morning in 1977, inside the stately halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, a brief oath-taking ceremony lasting barely three minutes altered the trajectory of Indian politics.When Morarji Desai, then 81, took oath as country’s first non-Congress prime minister on March 24, 1977, it wasn’t just a change of guard, it was the first real disruption of a order that had remained largely unchallenged since Independence.The oath was administered by then-acting President BD Jatti.At first glance, the ritual seemed usual, a formal handover of power in the presidential residence. But beneath its brevity lay a historic shift, the end of nearly decades of Congress dominance, the political reckoning after the Emergency, and the beginning of coalition politics at the Centre.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumble1977 elections: The vote that changed everythingThe 1977 general elections were unlike any India had experienced since Independence.In the months leading up to the vote, four major opposition blocs — the Socialists, the Jana Sangh, the Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLD), and Congress (O), came together to form the Janata Party.This unprecedented unity was driven by a shared goal: challenging Congress rule under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and ending the Emergency.The campaign drew momentum from widespread anger over the Emergency — marked by forced sterilisation drives, slum demolitions, arrests of political opponents, and press censorship.For perhaps the first time, voters across rural and urban India were not just participating — they were pushing back.The result was decisive. Out of 542 seats, the Janata Party won 295, while Congress was reduced to 154, losing over 200 seats compared to the previous election..Morarji Desai emerged as the consensus choice to lead the new government.A veteran of the freedom movement, Desai had served as Chief Minister of Bombay (1952–1957) and Deputy Prime Minister (1967–1969).At 81, he became the oldest person to assume office as Prime Minister, a symbol of continuity in a moment of disruption.Morarji Desai: The veteran statesman at the helmMorarji Desai’s rise was shaped as much by personal conviction as by political currents.Born in 1896, he resigned from government service in 1930 to join the freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi.He was imprisoned multiple times and later held key roles within the Congress.During the Emergency, Desai was arrested on June 26, 1975, and spent months in solitary confinement.His return in 1977, from political prisoner to Prime Minister, mirrored the larger story of reset.He consistently argued that no one, including the Prime Minister, should be above the law.“One should act in life according to truth and one’s faith,” he had said — a line that came to define both his politics and his moment..Desai was later awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991 and Pakistan’s Nishan-e-Pakistan in 1990.Understanding the 1977 shift: What scholars sayThe extraordinary shift in Indian politics in 1977 did not occur suddenly. Political scientists and historians have long studied how and why India’s democracy, which appeared monolithic for decades, suddenly transformed.Rajni Kothari: The Congress SystemRajni Kothari was among the first scholars to describe the post‑independence political order in India as the “Congress System.” In his seminal work The Congress System in India, Kothari explains that Indian politics in the 1950s and early 1960s was not dominated by a single party in a simplistic sense, but by a system in which the Congress functioned as the centre of political life.Kothari argued that the Congress system consisted of a unique internal mechanism of political competition. Opposition parties existed, but they played roles similar to pressure groups; they had little chance of coming to power directly. Myron Weiner: Elections, emergency and democratic correctionIn his influential 1977 analysis, political scientist Myron Weiner examined the parliamentary elections that brought the Congress to an abrupt end. Weiner characterised the 1977 election as a moment when Indian democracy corrected itself, following the authoritarian precedent set during the Emergency.Weiner highlighted that the Emergency had been expected to consolidate Indira Gandhi’s authority. Between 1975 and 1977, the central government under Gandhi had suspended fundamental rights, imposed press censorship and used state machinery to suppress dissent. Instead, the elections produced a resounding rejection of Congress:Multiple opposition parties unified into the Janata PartyOpposition leaders, many recently released from jail, campaigned nationwideVoters delivered a clear majority to the Janata coalitionYogendra Yadav: Four-party system erasBuilding on work by scholars like Kothari and others who tracked Indian politics over decades, Yogendra Yadav has contributed to the understanding of Indian party systems as evolving through distinct phases. Yadav’s framework identifies four broad party‑system eras in post‑independence India:First-party system (1952–1967): Dominated by the Congress systemSecond-party system (1967–1989): Congress retains central position amid growing challenges, culminating in the brief Janata interludeThird-party system (1989–2014): Marked by coalition politics and fragmented national competitionFourth-party system (from 2014): Characterised by BJP dominanceRift, emergency and the restoration of CongressThe rift between Morarji Desai and Indira GandhiThe conflict between Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi was one of the defining power struggles in post-independence India.It began in 1966, following the succession battle after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death, when the Congress Syndicate, the party’s traditionalist leadership, backed Gandhi over Desai.Desai, a senior leader and a believer in conservative economic and administrative principles, represented the older faction, while Gandhi embodied a new, populist approach that increasingly challenged the status quo.The tension escalated in 1969 when Gandhi removed Desai from the Finance Ministry. This moment precipitated the split of the Congress into Congress (R), led by Gandhi and Congress (O), the organisational faction led by Desai and other senior leaders. Ideologically, the two leaders diverged sharply: Gandhi pursued socialist measures, including the nationalisation of fourteen major banks, whereas Desai favoured limited government intervention. The Emergency: Dark chapter of democracyThe Emergency (1975–1977) was the climax of the political struggle between Gandhi and Desai. Following the Allahabad high court’s decision invalidating her election to the Lok Sabha, Gandhi imposed a 21-month nationwide state of emergency, citing threats to national stability. Opposition leaders, including Desai, were arrested and held in solitary confinement. During this period, the government undertook sweeping measures that extended its control over political and social life. Yet, the Emergency also created an unprecedented anti-Congress wave, which galvanised opposition parties to unite under the Janata Party banner..Morarji Desai, upon release in early 1977, became the face of this coalition, campaigning across the country and capitalising on public discontent with authoritarian rule. The 1977 general elections ultimately delivered a decisive verdict in Desai’s favour. The restoration of Congress: Indira Gandhi’s returnThe Janata Party’s tenure, however, proved unstable. Internal divisions, factionalism and a lack of cohesive governance undermined its ability to govern effectively. Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi, though out of power, gradually rebuilt her political base. Her resurgence was marked by significant victories in the state assembly elections of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.Gandhi’s victory demonstrated her enduring appeal among the rural poor, minorities and women. The 1980 general elections cemented her comeback. Gandhi’s party secured 353 of 529 seats, achieving a commanding majority, while the Janata Party’s seat share dropped to 41.Can 1977 happen again?The 1977 election remains the most striking example of a united opposition defeating a dominant ruling party at the national level.Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties attempted a similar consolidation under the INDIA alliance.Despite coordination among over two dozen parties, the BJP returned to power.Nearly five decades after Desai’s oath, the country has again entered a phase of dominance, this time by the BJP, raising a familiar question: can a fragmented opposition replicate the unity of 1977?History offers both hope and caution. While 1977 proved that electoral waves can overturn entrenched power, it also showed that cohesion, not just victory, determines longevity.1977 was a reminder that democratic systems can reset, but only when voters, opposition forces, and institutions align at the same moment.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia ConflictDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia“Pak Is Just Dysfunctional”: Fareed Zakaria Explains India-Pakistan Growth GapCentre’s Nod To 114 Rafales, 60 Transport Aircraft, And AEWC Systems In Major Air Force Upgrade Push123PhotostoriesVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them8 satvik foods to eat during Navratri for energy and balanceTop 7 tallest buildings of Mumbai that define the city’s skyline8 high-protein meal ideas for Navratri Ashtami fasting4 meditation practices from Hindu wisdom that guide the mind towards peaceFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Dipika Kakar: TV actresses who proved it’s never too late to embrace motherhood10 heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Indian summers9 fruits you should eat with the peel and how to remove pesticides safely123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

This image is used for representation purpose only (AI-generated) On a quiet March morning in 1977, inside the stately halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, a brief oath-taking ceremony lasting barely three minutes altered the trajectory of Indian politics.When Morarji Desai, then 81, took oath as country’s first non-Congress prime minister on March 24, 1977, it wasn’t just a change of guard, it was the first real disruption of a order that had remained largely unchallenged since Independence.The oath was administered by then-acting President BD Jatti.At first glance, the ritual seemed usual, a formal handover of power in the presidential residence. But beneath its brevity lay a historic shift, the end of nearly decades of Congress dominance, the political reckoning after the Emergency, and the beginning of coalition politics at the Centre.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumble1977 elections: The vote that changed everythingThe 1977 general elections were unlike any India had experienced since Independence.In the months leading up to the vote, four major opposition blocs — the Socialists, the Jana Sangh, the Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLD), and Congress (O), came together to form the Janata Party.This unprecedented unity was driven by a shared goal: challenging Congress rule under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and ending the Emergency.The campaign drew momentum from widespread anger over the Emergency — marked by forced sterilisation drives, slum demolitions, arrests of political opponents, and press censorship.For perhaps the first time, voters across rural and urban India were not just participating — they were pushing back.The result was decisive. Out of 542 seats, the Janata Party won 295, while Congress was reduced to 154, losing over 200 seats compared to the previous election..Morarji Desai emerged as the consensus choice to lead the new government.A veteran of the freedom movement, Desai had served as Chief Minister of Bombay (1952–1957) and Deputy Prime Minister (1967–1969).At 81, he became the oldest person to assume office as Prime Minister, a symbol of continuity in a moment of disruption.Morarji Desai: The veteran statesman at the helmMorarji Desai’s rise was shaped as much by personal conviction as by political currents.Born in 1896, he resigned from government service in 1930 to join the freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi.He was imprisoned multiple times and later held key roles within the Congress.During the Emergency, Desai was arrested on June 26, 1975, and spent months in solitary confinement.His return in 1977, from political prisoner to Prime Minister, mirrored the larger story of reset.He consistently argued that no one, including the Prime Minister, should be above the law.“One should act in life according to truth and one’s faith,” he had said — a line that came to define both his politics and his moment..Desai was later awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991 and Pakistan’s Nishan-e-Pakistan in 1990.Understanding the 1977 shift: What scholars sayThe extraordinary shift in Indian politics in 1977 did not occur suddenly. Political scientists and historians have long studied how and why India’s democracy, which appeared monolithic for decades, suddenly transformed.Rajni Kothari: The Congress SystemRajni Kothari was among the first scholars to describe the post‑independence political order in India as the “Congress System.” In his seminal work The Congress System in India, Kothari explains that Indian politics in the 1950s and early 1960s was not dominated by a single party in a simplistic sense, but by a system in which the Congress functioned as the centre of political life.Kothari argued that the Congress system consisted of a unique internal mechanism of political competition. Opposition parties existed, but they played roles similar to pressure groups; they had little chance of coming to power directly. Myron Weiner: Elections, emergency and democratic correctionIn his influential 1977 analysis, political scientist Myron Weiner examined the parliamentary elections that brought the Congress to an abrupt end. Weiner characterised the 1977 election as a moment when Indian democracy corrected itself, following the authoritarian precedent set during the Emergency.Weiner highlighted that the Emergency had been expected to consolidate Indira Gandhi’s authority. Between 1975 and 1977, the central government under Gandhi had suspended fundamental rights, imposed press censorship and used state machinery to suppress dissent. Instead, the elections produced a resounding rejection of Congress:Multiple opposition parties unified into the Janata PartyOpposition leaders, many recently released from jail, campaigned nationwideVoters delivered a clear majority to the Janata coalitionYogendra Yadav: Four-party system erasBuilding on work by scholars like Kothari and others who tracked Indian politics over decades, Yogendra Yadav has contributed to the understanding of Indian party systems as evolving through distinct phases. Yadav’s framework identifies four broad party‑system eras in post‑independence India:First-party system (1952–1967): Dominated by the Congress systemSecond-party system (1967–1989): Congress retains central position amid growing challenges, culminating in the brief Janata interludeThird-party system (1989–2014): Marked by coalition politics and fragmented national competitionFourth-party system (from 2014): Characterised by BJP dominanceRift, emergency and the restoration of CongressThe rift between Morarji Desai and Indira GandhiThe conflict between Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi was one of the defining power struggles in post-independence India.It began in 1966, following the succession battle after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death, when the Congress Syndicate, the party’s traditionalist leadership, backed Gandhi over Desai.Desai, a senior leader and a believer in conservative economic and administrative principles, represented the older faction, while Gandhi embodied a new, populist approach that increasingly challenged the status quo.The tension escalated in 1969 when Gandhi removed Desai from the Finance Ministry. This moment precipitated the split of the Congress into Congress (R), led by Gandhi and Congress (O), the organisational faction led by Desai and other senior leaders. Ideologically, the two leaders diverged sharply: Gandhi pursued socialist measures, including the nationalisation of fourteen major banks, whereas Desai favoured limited government intervention. The Emergency: Dark chapter of democracyThe Emergency (1975–1977) was the climax of the political struggle between Gandhi and Desai. Following the Allahabad high court’s decision invalidating her election to the Lok Sabha, Gandhi imposed a 21-month nationwide state of emergency, citing threats to national stability. Opposition leaders, including Desai, were arrested and held in solitary confinement. During this period, the government undertook sweeping measures that extended its control over political and social life. Yet, the Emergency also created an unprecedented anti-Congress wave, which galvanised opposition parties to unite under the Janata Party banner..Morarji Desai, upon release in early 1977, became the face of this coalition, campaigning across the country and capitalising on public discontent with authoritarian rule. The 1977 general elections ultimately delivered a decisive verdict in Desai’s favour. The restoration of Congress: Indira Gandhi’s returnThe Janata Party’s tenure, however, proved unstable. Internal divisions, factionalism and a lack of cohesive governance undermined its ability to govern effectively. Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi, though out of power, gradually rebuilt her political base. Her resurgence was marked by significant victories in the state assembly elections of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.Gandhi’s victory demonstrated her enduring appeal among the rural poor, minorities and women. The 1980 general elections cemented her comeback. Gandhi’s party secured 353 of 529 seats, achieving a commanding majority, while the Janata Party’s seat share dropped to 41.Can 1977 happen again?The 1977 election remains the most striking example of a united opposition defeating a dominant ruling party at the national level.Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties attempted a similar consolidation under the INDIA alliance.Despite coordination among over two dozen parties, the BJP returned to power.Nearly five decades after Desai’s oath, the country has again entered a phase of dominance, this time by the BJP, raising a familiar question: can a fragmented opposition replicate the unity of 1977?History offers both hope and caution. While 1977 proved that electoral waves can overturn entrenched power, it also showed that cohesion, not just victory, determines longevity.1977 was a reminder that democratic systems can reset, but only when voters, opposition forces, and institutions align at the same moment.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia ConflictDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia“Pak Is Just Dysfunctional”: Fareed Zakaria Explains India-Pakistan Growth GapCentre’s Nod To 114 Rafales, 60 Transport Aircraft, And AEWC Systems In Major Air Force Upgrade Push123PhotostoriesVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them8 satvik foods to eat during Navratri for energy and balanceTop 7 tallest buildings of Mumbai that define the city’s skyline8 high-protein meal ideas for Navratri Ashtami fasting4 meditation practices from Hindu wisdom that guide the mind towards peaceFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Dipika Kakar: TV actresses who proved it’s never too late to embrace motherhood10 heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Indian summers9 fruits you should eat with the peel and how to remove pesticides safely123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

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This image is used for representation purpose only (AI-generated) On a quiet March morning in 1977, inside the stately halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, a brief oath-taking ceremony lasting barely three minutes altered the trajectory of Indian politics.When Morarji Desai, then 81, took oath as country’s first non-Congress prime minister on March 24, 1977, it wasn’t…

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Taylor Frankie Paul says daughter Ever is ‘reliving’ trauma after 2023 attack video leak: ‘Worst part is…’

Taylor Frankie Paul says daughter Ever is ‘reliving’ trauma after 2023 attack video leak: ‘Worst part is…’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to domestic violence.Taylor Frankie Paul is back in the headlines, and this time, not just because of what happened in the past, but because of how those events still haunt her family. After a disturbing video from a 2023 domestic violence incident leaked online, Taylor says her young daughter,…

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​Vaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrifices

​Vaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrifices

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Vaibhav currently stays in his family home in Bihar. The house perfectly reflects the young cricketer’s grounded life and upbringing. His two-storey house in Tajpur, with balcony and greenery. It might not be a fancy house, but it’s full of love, memories, success and belief. His father has built a practice net close to the…

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