The three incidents responsible for the downfall of Congress were:
(i) The imposition of Emergency was highly criticized and led to a decrease in popularity of Indira Gandhi. The excesses such as forced sterilization, conflict with judiciary, etc. alienated the people and they refused to support the Congress in election.
(ii) There was an acute economic crisis in India that led to the increased costs, rise in unemployment and other economic hardships for Indians. The government was unable to support its slogan of ‘Garibi Hatao’.
(iii) The opposition was united and formed a coalition under ‘anti-congressism’. They were able to showcase their governance in multiple States in India before Emergency and formed alliances and coalitions after the Election.
