Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 15, 2025, Kolkata : The history of Indian politics is a saga of selfless sacrifice, strategic conflicts, and evolving democratic aspirations. From the fierce anti-colonial struggle to the formation of an independent nation, it was the relentless spirit of countless revolutionaries that laid the foundation for a sovereign India. The trauma of Partition, soaked in the blood of millions, marked the beginning of India’s complex political journey. At the heart of that formative phase lay the first great internal contention—within the Indian National Congress—between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru over the post of the Prime Minister. Though Patel secured the majority support within the Congress Working Committee, Mahatma Gandhi intervened and eventually endorsed Nehru, who went on to become independent India’s first Prime Minister. This moment, debated and documented in contemporary publications, has often been cited as an early compromise on democratic process, though it laid the groundwork for what would become a long and dynamic parliamentary democracy.
Pandit Nehru’s vision of India was deeply rooted in democracy, secularism, and socialism. His leadership was marked by a commitment to planned development and positioning India on the global stage with dignity. His tenure symbolized the use of political power as a means to nation-building rather than personal gain. After his demise, Indira Gandhi emerged as a dominant force in Indian politics, known for her decisiveness and authority. However, the imposition of Emergency in 1975 remains a contentious chapter, widely criticized for undermining democratic institutions and civil liberties. With the later involvement of Rajiv Gandhi, followed by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party’s leadership remained closely tied to the Gandhi family. Supporters viewed it as a continuation of a historical legacy, while critics denounced it as dynastic politics.
The essence of the Prime Minister’s post in India has never been merely administrative. It has symbolized ideological commitments and moral accountability to the people. The political shift in the 1990s, marked by the decline of single-party dominance, brought coalition governments to the fore. Leaders like V.P. Singh, Chandrashekhar, H.D. Deve Gowda, and I.K. Gujral briefly held the post before Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided a semblance of continuity. This era was defined by compromise and negotiation, where policy often gave way to political expediency.
In 2014, a significant transformation occurred as Narendra Modi rose to power with a clear majority. His tenure has been characterized by assertive governance, extensive public engagement, and a strong individual-centric leadership style. Opinions remain divided: some interpret this period as one of democratic centralization, while others hail it as a necessary push towards decisive governance and development.
Throughout these shifting phases, the Indian political landscape has been shaped by an enduring struggle between ideals and power, service and ambition, leadership and ego. The office of the Prime Minister has changed hands and approaches, but its core significance—as a responsibility towards the nation—remains unchanged. Leaders who truly served the public have earned a lasting place in the hearts of citizens. In contrast, those who treated power as a personal privilege have often faded into historical obscurity.
Today, as new generations rise and engage with politics, there is a growing need to view leadership not as a means of dominance but as a vehicle for societal transformation. A robust democracy depends not only on elections but on transparency, ethics, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens. As India navigates its contemporary political challenges, the public’s hope remains fixed on leaders who are humane, principled, and deeply rooted in democratic values. The “game of thrones” continues, but the verdict always lies with the people.