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| Source - Open Magazine |
The Prelude - Rise of Indira Gandhi
Between 1967 and 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi consolidated near-absolute control over the government, the Indian National Congress party, and Parliament. Her rise to power was characterized by several factors:
Centralization of Power: Indira concentrated power within the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, bypassing the elected Cabinet members. Her principal secretary, P. N. Haksar, played a crucial role in this centralization.
Committed Bureaucracy: Haksar promoted the concept of a “committed bureaucracy,” where officials were expected to align with Congress ideology.
Party Split: Indira outmaneuvered her rivals within the Congress, leading to a split in the party. The Congress (O) and her Congress ® emerged, with most members siding with her.
Party Split: Indira outmaneuvered her rivals within the Congress, leading to a split in the party. The Congress (O) and her Congress ® emerged, with most members siding with her.
The Emergency Unleashed
On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed officially declared a state of national emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. The reasons cited were “internal disturbance.” Here’s what transpired during the 21-month Emergency:
Rule by Decree: The order bestowed upon Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the authority to rule by decree. Elections were canceled, and civil liberties suspended.
Political Opponents Imprisoned: Most of Gandhi’s political opponents were jailed. The press faced censorship.
Human Rights Violations: Reports emerged of forced vasectomies, spearheaded by her son Sanjay Gandhi.
Controversial Decision: The decision to impose the Emergency was proposed by Indira Gandhi, ratified by the Cabinet and Parliament, and agreed upon by the President. The rationale was imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state.
Human Rights Violations: Reports emerged of forced vasectomies, spearheaded by her son Sanjay Gandhi.
Controversial Decision: The decision to impose the Emergency was proposed by Indira Gandhi, ratified by the Cabinet and Parliament, and agreed upon by the President. The rationale was imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Elections of 1977: The Emergency ended on March 21, 1977. In the subsequent elections, the Congress faced a massive defeat, and the Janata Party, led by Morarji Desai, came to power.
Controversy and Criticism: The Emergency remains one of the most contentious periods in Indian history. Critics argue that it was an assault on democracy and civil liberties.
Lessons Learned: The Emergency serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for eternal vigilance.
Final Thoughts
The Emergency of 1971 casts a long shadow—a stark reminder that power unchecked can lead to authoritarianism. As India continues its democratic journey, it must remain vigilant, cherishing the hard-fought freedoms that define its identity.
Written by - Vishal
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