Swatantra Party was formed in which of the following years ?

Correct option is C

The Swatantra Party was founded in 1959 by C. Rajagopalachari as a reaction against the socialist policies of the Indian National Congress (INC) under Jawaharlal Nehru. The party promoted free-market economy, individual freedom, and limited government intervention in business.

Reasons for Formation:

• Opposition to Socialist Policies: Nehru’s government was following a socialist economic model with centralized planning, state control of industries, and high taxation, which Rajagopalachari opposed.
• Alternative to Congress Rule: The Congress Party had a dominant hold over Indian politics, and Rajagopalachari wanted to create a right-wing liberal alternative.
• Economic Liberalization: The party advocated for free-market policies, reduction of government control over the economy, and private sector growth.

Political Influence:

• It gained popularity among industrialists, landlords, and business communities who were unhappy with Nehru’s economic policies.
• In the 1967 Lok Sabha elections, the Swatantra Party won 44 seats, becoming the largest opposition party in Parliament.
• However, the party declined in the 1970s, especially after Indira Gandhi’s rise and economic changes. It was eventually merged with the Bharatiya Lok Dal in 1974.