Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as prime minister of India and became the country's first female head of government.

Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as prime minister of India and became the country's first female head of government. She held office from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

Early life and family

Indira Gandhi was born in Allahabad in 1917 as Indira Priyadarshini Nehru. She was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, and grew up in a prominent political family.

Political career

Gandhi became prime minister in 1966 and served three consecutive terms before losing office in 1977. She later returned as prime minister in 1980 and remained in office until 1984.

Major policies and controversies

Her governments were associated with centralisation of power, economic intervention, and major political events such as the 1975–1977 Emergency. Her second period in office was marked by escalating conflict in Punjab.

Assassination and legacy

Gandhi was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards on 31 October 1984, following the events surrounding Operation Blue Star. She remains one of the most influential and debated figures in modern Indian history.