1984- 1989 Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha election results from 1984 to 1989 were significant in India’s political history, marked by a mix of triumphs and challenges, societal transformations, and changes in leadership. This period saw a major shift in the political dynamics, with the tragic assassination of a prominent leader leading to both sympathy votes and growing concerns.
Situation Before the Election: Prior to the 1984 Lok Sabha elections, India was reeling from the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October 1984. The nation was mourning the loss of a powerful and charismatic leader. The atmosphere was tense, and there were concerns about maintaining communal harmony in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination.
Major Agenda of the Election: The primary agenda of the 1984 Lok Sabha elections was to elect a stable government that could lead the country through a period of uncertainty and maintain unity and communal harmony. The ruling Indian National Congress, now led by Rajiv Gandhi, focused on projecting a sense of continuity from Indira Gandhi’s leadership. The party emphasized development, modernization, and ensuring the welfare of all citizens.
Number of Members: The total number of members in the Lok Sabha during this period was 542.
Winning Party and Opposition Party: The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, secured a landslide victory in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress Party won an impressive 414 out of the 542 seats, granting them an overwhelming majority. The opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Party, and various regional parties, struggled to make a significant impact in the wake of the sympathy wave for Rajiv Gandhi after his mother’s assassination.
Election Analysis: The 1984-1989 Lok Sabha election results reflected the profound impact of Indira Gandhi’s assassination on Indian politics. The sympathy wave and the desire for stability played a significant role in the Congress Party’s victory. Rajiv Gandhi’s youthful and dynamic image, coupled with his promise of modernization and progress, resonated with the electorate.During this period, the Congress government under Rajiv Gandhi focused on several initiatives, including economic liberalization, technological advancements, and social reforms. However, the government also faced challenges, such as the Bofors scandal and accusations of corruption.The election results also marked the decline of traditional opposition parties like the BJP and the Janata Party. These parties struggled to offer a compelling alternative to the Congress Party’s leadership. It was during this time that the seeds were sown for the further evolution of the BJP as a major political force in the subsequent years.
Results of Political Parties
| Party Name | Seats Won |
|---|
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 426 |
| Telugu Desam Party (TDP) | 30 |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) | 23 |
| Janata Party (Janata Party) | 16 |
| All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) | 12 |
| Independent (Ind.) | 9 |
| Akali Dal (Akali Dal) | 7 |
| Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) | 7 |
| Communist Party of India (CPI) | 6 |
| Congress (S) (Congress (S)) | 5 |
| Lok Dal(Lok Dal) | 4 |
| Unattached (Unattached) | 4 |
| Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKN) | 3 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party (India) (RSP) | 3 |
| All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) | 2 |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 2 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 2 |
| Kerala Congress(M) (KC(M)) | 2 |
| Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) | 2 |
| Nominated (NM) | 2 |
| Total | 567 |
|---|
Lok Sabha Officers
| Position | Name | From | To | Days in Office |
|---|
| Speaker | Bal Ram Jakhar | 31-Jan-1980 | 09-Jan-1985 | 1826 |
| Deputy Speaker | P.A. Sangma | 16-Jan-1985 | 03-Dec-1989 | 1782 |
| Secretary-General | Subimal Dutt | 13-Sep-1983 | 02-Feb-1989 | 1971 |
| Leader of the House | Rajiv Gandhi | 31-Dec-1984 | 02-Dec-1989 | – |
| Leader of Opposition | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 21-Dec-1984 | 31-Dec-1989 | – |
In conclusion, the 1984-1989 Lok Sabha election results highlighted the influence of tragic events on electoral outcomes. The Congress Party’s dominance, driven by sympathy and the promise of continuity, shaped the political landscape of the time. The period was characterized by efforts towards modernization but also faced challenges that would have implications for the years to come.