In January 1980, Indira Gandhi's Congress (I) party was voted into power in India.

Before the election, inflation meant that onions were unaffordable for many Indians and became a big election issue.

Indira Gandhi used the issue to appeal to voters during her campaign which would help to secure her victory that year.

Reena Stanton-Sharma speaks to Suda Pai, a former professor of political science at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Image: Vendor Pushing Cart With Onions On Road. Credit: Venkataramana Allam / EyeEm