[3] In 1977, the BLD combined with the Jan Sangh and the Indian National Congress (Organization) to form the Janata Party.

[4] Despite a strong start, the Janata government began to wither as significant ideological and political divisions emerged.

Through 1979, support for Morarji Desai had declined considerably due to worsening economic conditions as well as the emergence of allegations of nepotism and corruption involving members of his family.

Desai also lost the support of the secular and socialist politicians in the party, who saw him as favoring the Hindu nationalist BJS.

With no other political party in position to establish a majority government, President Reddy dissolved the Parliament and called fresh elections for January 1980.