Indira Gandhi regretted Emergency, Rajiv opposed it: Sonia Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has revealed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was uncomfortable with the decision to impose the Emergency in the country in 1975 and later realised that it was a mistake. She made the remarks in an interview with a British media outlet while discussing her book, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

Sonia said there were differences of opinion within the Gandhi family over the imposition of the Emergency. According to her, Rajiv Gandhi had opposed the move and felt that the government should wait until the next election. However, his younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi, strongly supported it. Rajiv tried to question the decision, but Indira Gandhi did not agree with his views, Sonia said.

At the same time, Sonia said Sanjay Gandhi could not be held solely responsible for the excesses during the Emergency. Some of Indira Gandhi's senior colleagues had also pressured her on the issue, she pointed out. Sonia recalled that Indira later understood the situation and took corrective steps. She also publicly expressed regret and apologised for the excesses committed during the Emergency.

Emergency was declared in India on the night of June 25, 1975, on the recommendation of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On January 18, 1977, she announced general elections and ordered the release of political prisoners. Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi both lost the elections held on March 16, 1977. Emergency was officially withdrawn on March 21, 1977.