Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question deals with the pivotal years of Indian politics from 1967 to 1971, characterized by the decline of the "Congress System" and the consolidation of power by Indira Gandhi.
During this period, the Congress party faced significant internal and external challenges, leading to major structural changes in the Indian political landscape.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us establish the exact timeline for each event to determine the correct order:
Event (C): Defeat of Congress in several states (1967):
The Fourth General Elections held in February 1967 are often described as a "political earthquake."
For the first time since independence, the Congress party saw a drastic decline in its dominance.
While it barely held on to power at the Centre, it lost its majority in nine states, including major ones like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
This period saw the rise of the first non-Congress coalition governments (Samyukta Vidhayak Dal) in many states.
Event (B): Split in the Congress Party (1969):
Internal tensions between Indira Gandhi and the senior leadership (the Syndicate) grew throughout the late 60s.
The final breaking point was the 1969 Presidential election following the death of Zakir Hussain.
Indira Gandhi encouraged an "open conscience vote" and supported V.V. Giri against the official party candidate, N. Sanjiva Reddy.
After Giri's victory, the party formally split into Congress (O) led by the Syndicate and Congress (R) led by Indira Gandhi.
Event (A): Formation of the Grand Alliance (Late 1970 - Early 1971):
As the 1971 midterm elections approached, major opposition parties realized they needed to unite to defeat Indira Gandhi.
Non-communist and non-Congress opposition parties, including the SSP, PSP, Jana Sangh, Swatantra Party, and even Congress (O), formed a coalition known as the "Grand Alliance."
Their primary platform was a negative one: "Indira Hatao" (Remove Indira).
Event (D): “Garibi Hatao” slogan (1971 Campaign):
In direct response to the Grand Alliance, Indira Gandhi launched a masterstroke of political branding.
She bypassed the traditional party machinery and reached out directly to the people with the slogan "Garibi Hatao" (Abolish Poverty).
This populist slogan, promising socio-economic reform, resonated with the rural poor, minorities, and women, leading to her landslide victory in 1971.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The chronological sequence is 1967 (C) $\rightarrow$ 1969 (B) $\rightarrow$ 1970/71 Alliance (A) $\rightarrow$ 1971 Slogan (D).
The correct order is C $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ A $\rightarrow$ D.
This corresponds to Option (C).