Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress Member of Parliament, has recently reignited debate surrounding the Emergency period of 1975-1977, criticizing the actions of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and emphasizing how contemporary India differs from the India of that era. In a recent article, Tharoor described the Emergency as a "dark period" in India's democratic history, pointing out the "unspeakable atrocities" that occurred.
Tharoor didn't hold back in his criticism of Indira Gandhi for enforcing harsh measures and accused her son, Sanjay Gandhi, of committing "terrible atrocities," including forced sterilizations and violence in rural areas. He highlighted the suspension of fundamental rights, press restrictions, and extensive human rights violations that took place during the 21-month period. Tharoor specifically mentioned the forced sterilization campaign and its disproportionate impact on poor and rural communities.
The Emergency, formally declared on June 25, 1975, and lasting until March 21, 1977, saw a severe curtailment of civil liberties, with fundamental rights suspended and many political opponents imprisoned. Press censorship was rampant, and the government wielded significant control over information dissemination. The declaration followed a period of political unrest and judicial developments, including the Allahabad High Court's ruling that Indira Gandhi had misused government machinery during her 1971 election campaign. This ruling disqualified her from holding elected office for six years, though the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay.
Tharoor asserted that the "open disregard for constitutional laws" during the Emergency left a deep scar on Indian politics and that this period tested the fundamental guarantees of equality, liberty, and fraternity. Despite the criticism, Tharoor also stated that today's India is a more confident, prosperous, and robust democracy than it was in 1975. He urged the nation to remember the Emergency not just as a dark chapter, but to learn lasting lessons from it.
The BJP has responded to Tharoor's statements, with spokesperson Tom Vadaken suggesting that Tharoor has finally seen the truth about the Congress party's stance on the Emergency.
The Emergency's legacy remains a subject of intense debate in Indian politics. The BJP frequently uses the anniversary of the Emergency to criticize the Congress party, while the Congress accuses the current government of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. Some observers argue that it's essential to examine the conditions that led to the Emergency, including the political climate and the challenges faced by the government at the time. Others focus on the long-term consequences of the Emergency, including its impact on Indian democracy and the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Regardless of political affiliations, many agree that the Emergency serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and upholding constitutional principles. Tharoor's recent remarks contribute to this ongoing conversation, prompting reflection on India's past and its implications for the present and future.
