Indira Gandhi Breaks Party, Forms Congress (I) in 1978: The 'Mute Doll's' Comeback

• On January 2, 1978, Indira Gandhi separated from the Indian National Congress to form Congress (I), declaring herself its president.
• This move followed the Congress's defeat in the 1977 elections post-Emergency and significant internal party differences.
• Gandhi strategically connected with the public, touring the country and criticizing the Janata Party government's instability.
• Congress (I) quickly gained public support, performing well in by-elections, particularly in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• This led to a massive victory in the 1980 general elections, marking Indira Gandhi's powerful political resurgence and return as Prime Minister.

Why It Matters: Indira Gandhi's 1978 split and formation of Congress (I) marked her strategic political comeback.