Pre-conditions leading to the Declaration

of Emergency in 1975
25th June, 2024 | Tuesday

The declaration of Emergency in India by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, was a controversial and
multifaceted decision. It was driven by a combination of political, social, and economic factors, reflecting the
complexities of the period. While some argue that it was necessary to maintain order and stability amid escalating
unrest and threats to national security, others view it as an authoritarian move to suppress political opposition and
civil liberties. This article explores the pre-conditions leading to the Emergency, examining key events and
movements that shaped this turbulent chapter in Indian history.

1971 War and Indira Gandhi’s Strong Emergence:

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a significant turning point in Indian history. The war, which resulted in the
creation of Bangladesh, showcased Indira Gandhi’s leadership on the global stage. Her decisive actions during the
conflict earned her immense popularity and political strength. This victory solidified her position, allowing her to
dominate Indian politics. However, this newfound strength also led to increasing opposition from various quarters,
who feared her growing authoritarian tendencies.

Abolition of Privy Purses:

Privy purses were abolished in India on December 28, 1971. The move was part of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s
broader agenda to reduce the privileges of the former princely states and promote a more egalitarian society. This
decision faced significant opposition and required a constitutional amendment, specifically the 26th Amendment to
the Constitution of India. The erstwhile princely states and their former rulers, opposition parties, including the
Bharatiya Jana Sangh (now BJP), Swatantra Party, and others, criticized the move as unilateral and argued that it
disregarded the agreements made during the integration of princely states into India.

The Shimla Agreement:

Following the war, the Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in July 1972. This treaty aimed to
resolve lingering disputes from the 1971 conflict and established a framework for bilateral relations. The
agreement was seen as a diplomatic triumph for Indira Gandhi, further consolidating her political standing.
However, the geopolitical tensions with Pakistan continued, contributing to internal and external pressures on her
government.

Banks Nationalization:
One of Indira Gandhi’s significant economic reforms was the nationalization of banks in 1969. This move was aimed
at redistributing wealth and ensuring financial inclusion for the rural population. While it garnered support from
the lower economic strata, it also antagonized the business community and political opponents who viewed it as a
step towards socialism. This policy deepened the divide between her government and the opposition.

Pokhran I (1974):
In May 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” in Pokhran, Rajasthan. This bold
move positioned India as a nuclear power and was a statement of its growing technological prowess. However, it
also attracted international criticism and economic sanctions, adding to the internal economic challenges. The test
bolstered national pride but also intensified the scrutiny on Indira Gandhi’s leadership.

Role of CIA and Internal Disturbances:

During the early 1970s, there were widespread rumours and allegations of CIA involvement in fomenting internal
disturbances in India. The Cold War era was marked by intense geopolitical maneuvering, and India, with its non-
aligned stance, was a focal point of interest for both the US and the USSR. Indira Gandhi’s government suspected
that the CIA was supporting opposition groups and movements to destabilize her administration, further
exacerbating the internal strife.

JP’s Sampoorna Kranti Movement:

One of the most significant movements against Indira Gandhi’s government was the Sampoorna Kranti (Total
Revolution) led by veteran socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP. In response to rising
corruption, economic mismanagement, and authoritarianism, JP called for a complete transformation of Indian
society and politics. His movement gained widespread support, particularly among students and youth, creating a
formidable challenge to the government.

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The 1974 Railway Strike:
In May 1974, the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, led by George Fernandes, launched a massive strike demanding
better wages and working conditions. The strike, which lasted for 20 days, paralyzed the nation’s transport system
and highlighted the growing discontent among the working class. The government’s response was heavy-handed,
with mass arrests and repression, further fueling public anger and unrest.

Morarji Desai’s Hunger Strike:

Veteran Congress leader Morarji Desai emerged as a prominent critic of Indira Gandhi. In 1974, he launched a
hunger strike in Gujarat, demanding her resignation and accusing her of undemocratic practices. Desai’s strike
galvanized the opposition, particularly students, who began organizing protests and demonstrations against the
government. This period saw increasing calls for Indira Gandhi to step down, adding to the political turmoil.

Assassination of Railway Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra:

In January 1975, Lalit Narayan Mishra, the Railway Minister, was assassinated in a bomb blast. His death added to
the climate of fear and instability. Mishra was a close aide of Indira Gandhi, and his assassination was seen as part
of a broader conspiracy to destabilize her government. The incident underscored the violent undercurrents in
Indian politics during this period.

JP’s Call for Mutiny and RSS-Jan Sangh’s Role:

In February 1975, at a rally in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, JP called for a peaceful mutiny by the police, army, and
administration against Indira Gandhi’s government. He urged them to disobey orders they deemed unjust, further
heightening the tension. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jan Sangh (precursor to the Bharatiya Janata
Party) played crucial roles in mobilizing support for JP’s movement. Their networks and organizational strength
added momentum to the protests, creating a nationwide wave of dissent.

Allahabad High Court Verdict:

A critical blow to Indira Gandhi’s political career came on June 12, 1975, when the Allahabad High Court found her
guilty of electoral malpractices in her 1971 election campaign. The court invalidated her election and barred her
from holding any elected office for six years. This verdict sparked a constitutional crisis and intensified calls for her
resignation. Indira Gandhi appealed the decision but faced immense pressure from the opposition and civil society.

JP’s attempt to delegitimise/challenge Prime Minister’s authority:

There was an incident involving Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) calling for a protest to surround Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi’s office and residence. On June 5th, 1975, during a massive rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, JP called for a
“Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution) against Indira Gandhi’s government. He reiterated to the police, military,
and government officials to disobey orders from the government and asked for non-violent civil disobedience.
On June 25th, 1975, JP and other opposition leaders planned to surround Indira Gandhi’s residence and office,
known as 1 Safdarjung Road (her official residence as MP) and 7 RCR (Race Course Road, the Prime Minister’s
residence). This action was part of a broader strategy to force her to resign following the Allahabad High Court’s
verdict that found her guilty of electoral malpractices. Although, on June 24th, 1975, Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer of
the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay on the High Court’s judgment. The stay allowed her to remain as
Prime Minister but prohibited her from voting in the Parliament until the appeal was decided.
This planned protest and the mounting pressure from the opposition were among the immediate triggers that led
Indira Gandhi to declare a state of Emergency on the night of June 25 th, 1975. The Emergency led to the arrest of
JP and many other opposition leaders, effectively quelling the movement and suspending civil liberties across the
country.

The Declaration of Emergency:

Facing mounting pressure from all sides, Indira Gandhi took the drastic step of declaring a state of Emergency on
June 25, 1975. The Emergency, which lasted until March 21, 1977, saw the suspension of civil liberties, censorship
of the press, and mass arrests of political opponents. Indira Gandhi justified the Emergency by citing threats to
national security and internal stability. However, it was widely seen as a move to preserve her power and suppress
dissent.

My Take:
The declaration of Emergency in India in 1975 was the result of a complex interplay of political, social, and
economic factors. From the aftermath of the 1971 war and the nationalization of banks to the Pokhran nuclear test
and JP’s Total Revolution (Sampoorna Kranti), a series of events created an environment of intense political turmoil
and instability. Indira Gandhi’s response to these challenges, culminating in the Emergency, remains one of the
most controversial and debated periods in Indian history.

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