It’s important to look back on this dark period in Indian democracy as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975. The country’s political and social fabric was significantly impacted by the 21-month Emergency, which was imposed by then-prime minister Indira Gandhi.
The Emergency Declared: A Shock to the Nation
In a statewide address on All India Radio on June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency. Shortly after the Supreme Court issued a conditional stay on the Allahabad High Court’s ruling, which stated that Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha was invalid because of electoral fraud, this dramatic action was taken. She claimed a “deep and widespread conspiracy” against her administration to justify the Emergency, even though she was permitted to stay in her position as Prime Minister and could not participate in legislative procedures.
Political Unrest and Key Events Leading to the Emergency
The period leading up to the Emergency was marked by significant political turmoil:
- January 1966: Indira Gandhi was elected Prime Minister.
- November 1969: The Congress party split after Gandhi was expelled for violating party discipline.
- 1971: Political opponent Raj Narain filed a complaint of electoral fraud against Gandhi.
- 1973-75: Political unrest and demonstrations surged against Gandhi’s government.
- June 12, 1975: The Allahabad High Court found Gandhi guilty of electoral discrepancies.
- June 24, 1975: The Supreme Court ruled that MP privileges no longer applied to Gandhi.
Suspension of Civil Liberties and Censorship
During the Emergency, press censorship was strictly enforced, civil freedoms were suspended, and authority was centralised. Notable opposition figures such as L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Morarji Desai were taken into custody. Protests and widespread criticism were the results of these activities, both nationally and internationally.
Controversies and Authoritarian Measures
Several controversial measures were undertaken during the Emergency:
- September 1976: Sanjay Gandhi initiated a mass forced sterilization program in Delhi, raising humanitarian concerns.
- Slum Clearance Programs: These initiatives were criticized for their authoritarian nature.
End of the Emergency
Unexpectedly, on January 18, 1977, Indira Gandhi declared new elections and freed all political prisoners. On March 23, 1977, the Emergency was formally lifted, bringing an end to one of the darkest times in India’s post-independence history.
Reflection by BJP Leaders on the 50th Anniversary
Union Ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared their thoughts on social media on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency:
The Emergency was referred to by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “dark chapter” that must be remembered, highlighting the necessity of defending and upholding democracy.
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, accused the Congress of “murdering democracy” by censoring and suspending citizens’ rights.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of those who battled to restore democracy while highlighting the abuse of power and dictatorship during the Emergency.
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