From vowing support to diplomatic offensive, how Parliament kept pressure on Indira govt to liberate East Bengal

Parliament was in its Winter Session when Pakistan attacked India on 3 December, 1971. 80 percent of the government jobs were filled by people from the West.” Parliament promises support to East Bengal The year 1971 began similarly for India and Pakistan. She started by stating, “The tragedy which has overtaken our valiant neighbours in East Bengal so soon after their rejoicing over their electoral victory has united us all in grief for the destruction of their beautiful land and anxiety for their future.” While MPs had referred to East Pakistan as East Bengal, it would be the first time the government would do so. In debates in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, MPs would urge the government to recognise East Bengal as the independent nation of Bangladesh. On the floor of Lok Sabha, she said, “The valiant struggle of the people of Bangla Desh in the face of tremendous odds has opened a new chapter of heroism in the history of freedom movements; I am confident that in future the Governments and the peoples of India and Bangla Desh, who share common ideals and sacrifices, will forge a relationship based on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit.” MPs cutting across party lines would congratulate the prime minister.