Let's game 3 scenarios if either Indira, Sanjay or Rajiv live.
Indira: The Lok Sabha must be dissolved by January 1985 for another federal election, which might mean a sharply reduced Congress majority. Alternatively, as in 1980, she plays up the need for "one pair of hands on the wheel" and wins another landslide, then hands over to Rajiv in early 1986. Method of survival: takes RAW director's advice to transfer VIP protection to the Army, or transfers her Sikh guards to another posting.
Sanjay: A Marcos wannabe with all the intellect of Paris Hilton can only mean disaster. If he gets the PMO by 1986, then I can see India going downhill very quickly. High risk of an assassination attempt, can easily see him going paranoid and not going anywhere without a Special Forces company in trail. Will attempt to remove all economic controls and boot up a free-market economy. Keep in mind that of the Congress Class of 1980, 234 of 351 are freshman MPs, many with minimal quals, and at least 150 are incorrigible Sanjay fanboys/girls. How long he remains in power depends on the electorate's patience and the emergence of a credible opposition. Method of survival: lands the Pitts S-2 instead of looping at too low an altitude.
Rajiv: As per OTL, a Congress minority coalition or a slim majority. Will implement Singh/Rao's NEP with Singh at Finance, reorientation of foreign policy towards the West by the mid-1990s after the Soviet Union falls. Following this path should keep him in power as long as he wants to remain in office. Method of survival: rain cancels the rally.
Indira: The Lok Sabha must be dissolved by January 1985 for another federal election, which might mean a sharply reduced Congress majority. Alternatively, as in 1980, she plays up the need for "one pair of hands on the wheel" and wins another landslide, then hands over to Rajiv in early 1986. Method of survival: takes RAW director's advice to transfer VIP protection to the Army, or transfers her Sikh guards to another posting.
Sanjay: A Marcos wannabe with all the intellect of Paris Hilton can only mean disaster. If he gets the PMO by 1986, then I can see India going downhill very quickly. High risk of an assassination attempt, can easily see him going paranoid and not going anywhere without a Special Forces company in trail. Will attempt to remove all economic controls and boot up a free-market economy. Keep in mind that of the Congress Class of 1980, 234 of 351 are freshman MPs, many with minimal quals, and at least 150 are incorrigible Sanjay fanboys/girls. How long he remains in power depends on the electorate's patience and the emergence of a credible opposition. Method of survival: lands the Pitts S-2 instead of looping at too low an altitude.
Rajiv: As per OTL, a Congress minority coalition or a slim majority. Will implement Singh/Rao's NEP with Singh at Finance, reorientation of foreign policy towards the West by the mid-1990s after the Soviet Union falls. Following this path should keep him in power as long as he wants to remain in office. Method of survival: rain cancels the rally.