‘Indira Gandhi Regretted Imposing Emergency’, Sonia Gandhi Breaks Her Silence After 49 Years
Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi regretted her decision to impose the Emergency in India and had even publicly apologised for the excesses committed during that period. This was revealed by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi’s autobiography, titled _Belonging: A Journey of Love, is scheduled to be released on November 10. Ahead of its publication, she spoke candidly about various aspects of the Emergency during an interview with N. Ram, Editor of The Hindu, on Saturday.
Many believe that Sanjay Gandhi, the elder son of Indira Gandhi, played a significant role in the imposition of the Emergency. However, Sonia Gandhi disagreed with this perception. According to her, although Sanjay Gandhi’s name has become closely associated with the Emergency, several senior colleagues of Indira Gandhi had also exerted considerable pressure on her.
Sonia also revealed that Rajiv Gandhi was not in favour of imposing the Emergency. According to her, Rajiv had a different opinion on the matter. However, he was among the few people who stood by Indira Gandhi during that period.
Sonia said that Rajiv Gandhi used to listen to complaints and reactions from people across different parts of the country and convey their concerns to Indira Gandhi. However, the final decisions were always taken by Indira Gandhi herself.
When asked whether the Emergency should be described as anti-democratic and authoritarian, Sonia acknowledged that it was a serious period during which democratic rights were curtailed. However, she maintained that the measures taken at the time were in accordance with constitutional provisions.
According to Sonia, widespread protests across the country, arson at government offices and appeals urging bureaucrats and members of the armed forces to disobey government orders contributed to the rapid deterioration of the situation. She said Indira Gandhi faced considerable challenges in dealing with the circumstances.
However, Sonia Gandhi believes that the events of the past can now be examined and assessed more objectively. According to her, Indira Gandhi eventually realised the situation and decided to call Lok Sabha elections in March 1977.
It may be mentioned that the Emergency was declared in India on June 25, 1975, and came to an end on March 21, 1977. During this period, fundamental rights were curtailed, press freedom was restricted and several opposition leaders were arrested.
