Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who is widely regarded as the architect of modern India, also made many blunders in deciding central government policies and decisions. Some of his actions/ideas have been seen as creating long-term problems and challenges for India. Here are six of them:
1 Kashmir Issue
One of the most contentious issues that Nehru dealt with was the accession of the princely state of Kashmir to India in 1947, when it was invaded by Pakistani-backed tribal leaders. Nehru, who had a personal attachment to Kashmir, agreed to refer the matter to the United Nations, instead of taking decisive military action to liberate the entire territory. He also promised to a plebiscite to the people of Kashmir, which was never held. This resulted in the division of Kashmir betwee3n India and Pakistan, and the emergence of a chronic conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and strained relations ever since. His critics argue that he should have taken a firm stand and secured the whole Kashmir for India, while his supporters contend that he acted in the best interests of peace and democracy.
2 The Socialist Path
Nehru’s economic policies were greatly influenced by his socialist ideology and his admiration for the Soviet model. He favoured state control and planning over private enterprise and market forces. He imposed heavy restrictions and regulations on the private sector and neglected the development of agricultural and social sectors. He also pursued a policy of import substitution, which discouraged foreign trade and investment. These policies led to low growth, high inflation, chronic poverty and corruption. His critics argue he stifled the entrepreneurial spirit and potential of the Indian economy, while his supporters contend that he tried to create a self-reliant society.
3 The China Conflict
His foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment, which aimed at maintaining friendly relations with all countries, especially the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa. He also sought to establish a special bond with China, based on the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (Indian and Chinese are brothers). He ignored the warnings of his own intelligence and defence officials about China’s design and aggression. He failed to respond effectively to China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950, and its claims over Indian territories in the north-east and the west. He also underestimated China’s military capabilities and preparedness. This resulted in the humiliating defeat of India in the 1962 war with China, which shattered Nehru’s image and morale. His critics argue that he was naïve and complacent in dealing with China, and he could not foresee the betrayal by China.
4 The Dynastic Trend
He is often accused of promoting dynastic politics and nepotism in India. He groomed his daughter Indira Gandhi as his successor and appointed her as the Congress Party President in 1959. He also favoured his loyalists and relatives over merit and competence in key positions. He sidelined and alienated many of his colleagues and rivals, such as Sardar Patel, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and Subhash Chandra Bose. He also failed to nurture a second line of leadership in the party and government. His dynastic trend was continued by his daughter and grandson, who also became prime ministers of India, and by his great-grandson, who is currently a top leader of the party and is always projected as the future PM of India. His critics argue that he undermined the democratic and meritocratic values of the country, while his supporters also contend that he trusted and empowered his family and friends.
5 The Minority Policy
He is also criticized for his policy of appeasing minorities, especially Muslims, at the cost of the majority community, the Hindus. He supported the demand for separate electorates and reservations for the Muslims before independence, which contributed to the partition of India. He also opposed the enactment of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which would have ensured equal rights and justice for all citizens. He also favoured the retention of the Muslim Personal Law, which discriminated against Muslim women. He also intervened in the affairs of Hindu temples and institutions and allowed the state to take over their management and resources. Is critics argue that he was biased and unfair to Hindus.
6 The Security Lapse
He is also blamed for neglecting the defence and security of the country. He did not pay adequate attention to the modernization and expansion of the armed forces. He also did not invest enough in the development of nuclear and missile technology, which left India vulnerable to threats from its neighbours, especially China and Pakistan. He also failed to create a strong intelligence network and coherent security doctrine. He also ignored the rise of separatist and extremist movements in various parts of the country, such as the Naga insurgency, the Dravidian movement and the Naxalite uprising. His critics argue that he was weak and irresponsible in protecting the country.
One other unpardonable thing Nehru did was to choose Teen Murti, the biggest house in the capital, as his official residence. This encouraged pomp and splendour among ministers and bureaucrats, and this strain has only become worse over time. The subsequent conversion of Teen Murti to the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library has also set up negative precedence. Since then, children of many departed prime ministers and political heroes have turned their dead ancestor’s homes into public monuments. Last year Modi government converted Teen Murti premises into museums for all the past prime ministers.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
8th January 2024.