Presidential election of 1969
Topic: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 5 "Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System"
Meaning
This was the election held after President Zakir Hussain died in May 1969. It turned into a test of strength between Indira Gandhi and the Syndicate. Over her objections, the Syndicate made Lok Sabha Speaker N. Sanjeeva Reddy the official Congress candidate. She encouraged Vice-President V.V. Giri to resign and stand as an independent. She then called for a conscience vote, which means voting as one wishes rather than as the party whip says.
Example
V.V. Giri won in August 1969. It is the only presidential election decided by counting second-preference votes. Defeating the party's official candidate deepened the rift, and the Congress split in November 1969.
Don't confuse with
- Sanjeeva Reddy's election in 1977: he did become President later, unopposed. In 1969 he lost.