1980 Indian general election

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AK Antony at Ponnani.jpg


1980 Indian general election

The 1980 Indian general election, held from January 3 to January 16, marked the fourth Lok Sabha election since India's independence. It was conducted to elect members to the 6th Lok Sabha, amidst a backdrop of political instability and the aftermath of the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. The Indian National Congress, led by Indira Gandhi, emerged as the dominant party, winning 404 out of 514 seats, effectively restoring its influence after a significant defeat in the previous election. Voter turnout was approximately 55.5%, reflecting a renewed public engagement. The election was notable for the fragmentation of opposition parties, with the Janata Party and its allies securing only a limited number of seats, leading to a consolidation of power for the Congress party.