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Witness History: India's onion election

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India's onion election

26/08/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, India's onion election

In 1980 Indira Gandhi came into power in India, it became known as the "onion election"

In 1980, Indira Gandhi's Congress (I) party was voted into power in India. 
Inflation meant that onions were unaffordable for many Indians and became a big election issue.

In January 1980, Indira Gandhi's Congress (I) party was voted into power in India. 

Before the election, inflation meant that onions were unaffordable for many Indians and became a big election issue. 

Indira Gandhi used the issue to appeal to voters during her campaign which would help to secure her victory that year. 

Reena Stanton-Sharma speaks to Suda Pai, a former professor of political science at Jawaharlal  Nehru University.

Image: Vendor Pushing Cart With Onions On Road. Credit: Venkataramana Allam / EyeEm

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