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50 Years Later: How Indira Gandhi’s Emergency Compares With Narendra Modi’s Authoritarian Rule
- On June 25, 1975, India’s then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced a state of Emergency across the country, resulting in the suspension of civil rights and the detention of opposition politicians.
- The Emergency was triggered after the Allahabad High Court invalidated Gandhi's 1971 election win, citing electoral malpractice and citing threats to national stability.
- During the Emergency, the government curtailed rights to dissent, silenced the press, orchestrated mass arrests of over 110,000 people, and pursued controversial sterilisation and slum demolition campaigns.
- The period of Emergency came to an official close in March 1977 when Indira Gandhi announced elections, which resulted in her defeat; meanwhile, BJP leaders now observe this time as 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas' and condemn Congress for its violations during that era.
- Fifty years later, India faces a still incomplete reckoning with the Emergency, as democratic institutions have strengthened but some authoritarian practices and political polarization persist.
34 Articles
34 Articles
My Memories of the Emergency: The Darkest Period in Independent India’s History
As years tick on in our lives, some memories, good or otherwise, stay on top of all others. Being the son of a journalist who was also closely associated with Indian politics for over 50 years, my most vivid memories are of developments in India’s political landscape over the decades. I remember the outcome of each Lok Sabha — the lower house of Indian Parliament — election, starting from 1977. And then there are memories of the 1990s being over…
But not that Gandhi: on June 25, 1975 Indira imposed an authoritarian turning point on India, and the next two generations marked the country's politics
Remembering the Emergency: BJP Marks 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas'
Union Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal criticize Congress on the 50th anniversary of Emergency, citing power abuse and constitutional 'murder'. Labeling it 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas', BJP recalls 'Waterloo' moment while highlighting historical impact on democracy and civil liberties during Indira Gandhi's tenure.
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Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
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