Tharoor's article criticizes Emergency, says torture in detention, extrajudicial killings 

NEW DELHI: Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has come forward with an article criticizing Emergency. His article has harshly criticized Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.
He mentioned in the article that Indira Gandhi's austerity led to a state of terror in public life and that she insisted that only Emergency could bring discipline to the country. The torture in detention and extrajudicial killings were not known to the outside world. The article also said judiciary, media and the opposition were imprisoned.

'I was in India when the Emergency was declared, but soon had to go to the US for graduate studies, and the rest I watched from far. Initially, I was surprised by the deep uneasiness. Indian public life, which was accustomed to vigorous debate and free expression, gave way to a dreadful silence.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi insisted that only the Emergency could combat internal disorders and external threats and bring discipline and efficiency to the country. The actions of Indira's son Sanjay Gandhi were of the utmost cruelty.

The then government relaxed these measures. In the elections held after the Emergency, the people expressed their anger by ousting Indira Gandhi and her party. Today’s is a democratic India. It has gained more confidence and prosperity,' Tharoor explained in the article.