AHC: Gandhi dynasty TL

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Having come into possession of a few invaluable sources, I've decided to do an Indian political TL and would like some Board input as to which it will be.

Hail Indira: Indira Gandhi decides to heed RAW's advice and transfers her Sikh bodyguards to another posting. The Lok Sabha is dissolved in January 1985, with another Congress landslide and Indira steps down by the end of the year in Rajiv's favor.

Corporatist Contagion: Sanjay Gandhi doesn't crash his Pitts S-2 in 1980, and as per OTL his mother is assassinated in 1984.

This Son Also Rises: A more successful Rajiv Gandhi premiership, focused on long-term objectives rather than economic U-turns and fundie-appeasement.

End of the Beginning: Rajiv Gandhi is not assassinated in 1991, Congress returns with a slim majority government. Objectives: national unity, economic liberalization, and a more federal union.
 
OK, looks like we either want 1984 or 1991. Keep in mind that in '91 Rajiv has lost his personal "Mr. Clean" persona from the '84 election because at that time it was believed that he had his own hands in the tiller during Bofors. Only in 2002 would a judicial inquiry refute that smear. Also, the 1984-9 record, from 1987 onward, is one of economic U-turns and fundie appeasement. So to paraphrase MacArthur, "I have learned, and I have returned."

In 1984 it is a fresh start with a clean slate- no baggage whatsoever. Just a pre-briefing.
 
I think any of the above will be interesting, but keeping Sanjay Gandhi around sounds like it could lead to an lively train-wreck.
 
Sanjay's political role model was Ferdinand Marcos. Just thought I'd throw that out there, though the Emergency pretty much confirms that IMO.

Another interesting tidbit: the easiest POD to resolve the Sikh issue passed in 1982. Chinese-interesting, isn't that? :cool:
 
Now, a couple of questions.

1) Why 1991 over 1984?

2) Would anyone be surprised if CC ends with an "enleadenment", so to speak? Chances of that (by any number of groups) are between 50-70%.
 
Now, a couple of questions.

1) Why 1991 over 1984?

2) Would anyone be surprised if CC ends with an "enleadenment", so to speak? Chances of that (by any number of groups) are between 50-70%.

2) I have no pre-conceived notions of a happy ending.
 
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