PM Modi Recalls Emergency Era, Says Anti-Emergency Movement Reaffirmed Strength of Indian Democracy
PM Modi reflects on Emergency's 50th anniversary, calls anti-Emergency movement vital for democracy; new book chronicles his role during the 1975 crisis.
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On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the dark chapter in Indian democracy, reaffirming the importance of the anti-Emergency movement in preserving constitutional values. Speaking on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Killing Day), PM Modi emphasized that the movement not only shaped his political outlook but also reaffirmed the vitality of India's democratic framework.
New Book Chronicles PM Modi’s Emergency-Era Journey
The BlueKraft Digital Foundation has released a new book titled “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader,” offering an intimate account of Modi’s life and activism during the Emergency (1975–77). Drawing on first-person anecdotes from Modi’s colleagues and rare archival material, the book provides unique insights into his early years as an RSS Pracharak, when he worked underground to resist Indira Gandhi's regime.
“The Emergency Diaries” features a special foreword by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, another prominent figure in the anti-Emergency resistance.
PM Modi Urges Citizens to Share Stories
Taking to social media, PM Modi wrote, “When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework.”
In another post, he urged citizens whose families were impacted by the Emergency to share their stories online to help the youth understand the period's historical significance. “These personal accounts,” he said, “will raise awareness about those dark days from 1975 to 1977.”
Book Launch and Historical Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to formally launch the book, marking an important addition to the historical narrative around the Emergency. According to its publishers, the book “paints a vivid picture of Narendra Modi fighting for democratic ideals and refusing to be silenced under a regime that suspended fundamental rights.”
This year marks the 50th year since the Emergency was declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at midnight on June 25, 1975. The 21-month-long period was triggered just days after the Allahabad High Court invalidated Gandhi’s election from Rae Bareli due to electoral malpractice. Emergency powers were enacted under Article 352 of the Constitution citing “internal unrest.”
Widespread Crackdown on Rights and Opposition
During the Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, and over 35,000 individuals were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). Prominent opposition leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, and Morarji Desai were arrested.
The era was also marked by controversial government measures, including forced sterilizations, strict censorship of the media, and a series of constitutional amendments that reduced judicial independence.
A Tribute to Resistance
The Emergency Diaries stands as a tribute to the resilience of those who opposed authoritarian rule and fought to safeguard democratic institutions. Through Modi’s personal journey, the book aims to inspire future generations to value freedom and resist tyranny in any form.
