Nehru’s Controversial Decisions. Assessing Jawaharlal Nehru’s impact as Prime Minister is subject to varied perspectives.

Accusations against Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, often center around six controversial decisions or actions. While interpretations vary, critics commonly point to the following aspects 6 Nehru’s Controversial Decisions:

1. Kashmir Issue:

Nehru’s handling of the Kashmir issue, especially his decision to seek the intervention of the United Nations, is criticized. Some argue that it led to a prolonged and complex dispute. Jawaharlal Nehru faced a highly controversial situation with the accession of Kashmir to India in 1947, amidst an invasion by Pakistani-backed tribal raiders. Despite a personal attachment to Kashmir, following Lord Mountbatten’s suggestion, Nehru opted to involve the United Nations rather than take immediate military action. He pledged a plebiscite for Kashmir’s people, a promise that was never fulfilled. This decision led to the division of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, sparking a long-standing conflict with significant human and diplomatic costs. Critics argue for a more decisive stance to secure the entire region, while supporters maintain that Nehru prioritized peace and democracy.

2. The Socialist Path:

Socialist ideals and a fondness for the Soviet model shaped Nehru’s economic strategies. He prioritized state control and planning, imposing strict regulations on the private sector, and neglecting agriculture and social sectors. His import-substitution policy hindered foreign trade. These measures resulted in low growth, high inflation, persistent poverty, and corruption. Critics argue he stifled entrepreneurial spirit, while supporters maintain he aimed for a self-reliant and egalitarian society.

3. China Policy:

The border dispute with China and the war of 1962 are seen by critics as a failure of Nehru’s foreign policy. Accusations range from diplomatic miscalculations to inadequate military preparedness. Nehru’s foreign policy centered on non-alignment, fostering friendly ties, especially with newly independent nations in Asia and Africa. He aimed for a special bond with China, as seen in the slogan “Hindi-Chini bhai bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers). Despite warnings about China’s expansionist agenda, he did not respond effectively to their actions, leading to the 1962 war and India’s defeat. Critics argue he was naive, while supporters view him as a visionary peacemaker.

4. Political Approach:

Nehru’s political approach, including his management of political dissent and handling of internal conflicts, has been questioned. The declaration of Emergency in 1975 during the tenure of his daughter, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is also linked to the political legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Nehru faces accusations of fostering dynastic politics and nepotism in India. He prepared his daughter, Indira Gandhi, as his successor, appointing her as the president of the Congress party in 1959. He prioritized loyalists and relatives over merit in key positions, sidelining figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, and Subhas Chandra Bose. The absence of a robust second line of leadership in both party and government is also noted. Critics argue that this undermined democratic and meritocratic values, while supporters assert it was a matter of trust and empowerment within his circle.

Nehru faces criticism for his policy of prioritizing minorities, especially Muslims, potentially at the expense of the Hindu majority. He backed separate electorates and reservations for Muslims pre-independence, contributing to India’s partition. His opposition to a uniform civil code, aimed at ensuring equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, and his support for the Muslim Personal Law, perceived as discriminatory against Muslim women, are notable points of contention. Critics argue bias against Hindus, while supporters maintain his stance was rooted in secularism and tolerance.

5. Defense Policy:

The perception that Nehru’s defense policies were inadequate, especially during the Indo-China war, has been criticized. Some claim that stronger military preparedness could have averted the conflict. Nehru is criticized for neglecting the defense and security of the nation. His lack of emphasis on modernizing and expanding the armed forces, insufficient investment in nuclear and missile technology, and inadequate attention to security threats from neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, are pointed out. The absence of a robust intelligence network and a clear security doctrine, coupled with neglecting separatist and extremist movements, like the Naga insurgency, Dravidian movement, and Naxalite uprising, is also cited. Critics argue he was weak in protecting the country, while supporters maintain his approach was progressive and peace-oriented.

6. Language Policy:

The decision on the choice of Hindi as the sole official language faced strong opposition, particularly in the southern states, leading to tensions and protests. Eventually, a more inclusive language policy was adopted. 6 Nehru’s Controversial Decisions