Jaishankar Criticises Gandhi Family on Emergency Anniversary, Calls It a Lesson in Safeguarding Democracy

 New Delhi, June 27 — Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp rebuke of the Congress party and the Gandhi family, asserting that the Emergency was the outcome of a single family's belief that it stood above the nation.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a Mock Parliament organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dr. Jaishankar reflected on the dark chapter in India’s democratic history. “The Emergency was imposed because one family considered itself greater than the country,” he said. Referencing the satirical film Kissa Kursi Ka, he remarked that the film's title—translated as “The Story of the Chair”—succinctly captured the motivation behind the decision.

Jaishankar emphasized the enduring lesson of the Emergency: that freedom should never be taken for granted. “It was an assault not just on political opponents, but on the very spirit of civil society. The objective was to crush the morale of the people, including those outside politics,” he said. He recalled how political activists were routinely arrested without cause, and those detained were uncertain if or when they would be released.

The Minister also detailed the political context leading up to the Emergency. Despite a sweeping electoral victory in 1971, public dissatisfaction grew due to rising corruption and inflation. Mass protests erupted across Gujarat and Bihar, and increasing scrutiny fell upon the conduct of the Prime Minister’s son. Matters came to a head following the Allahabad High Court’s verdict indicting then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on charges of electoral malpractice and misuse of government machinery.

In response, Gandhi declared a state of Emergency on June 25, 1975, which was ratified by then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, and political opponents were incarcerated without due process. The period is widely regarded as one of the most repressive in India’s post-independence history.

Taking a veiled dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Dr. Jaishankar remarked, “Some now hold the Constitution in their hands, but their intentions speak otherwise. The DNA of that party has never acknowledged its wrongdoing during the Emergency, nor shown remorse for its actions.”

As part of commemorating the 50th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that all legal and historical records related to the Emergency be compiled and preserved. The government has designated June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas—a day to remember the suspension of constitutional values and the subversion of democracy.

“In 1975, the ideals of the Constitution were set aside. Fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom extinguished, and countless political leaders, students, social workers, and ordinary citizens were jailed,” Jaishankar said. “It was as though democracy itself had been imprisoned.”

The remarks come amid a broader campaign by the ruling party to highlight the significance of the Emergency and draw contrasts with contemporary democratic values.