New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack against Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday over her
remarks regarding the 1975 Emergency and her criticism of the current government’s governance record.
The row erupted following Gandhi’s interview with The Hindu’s N Ram, which coincided with the run-up to the global launch of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey Of Love, scheduled for November 10. During the conversation, she argued that Sanjay Gandhi should not be singled out for the excesses of the Emergency, pointing out that senior colleagues had also pressured then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla Bhandari quickly responded on X, claiming Gandhi was attempting a public relations whitewash, “Sonia Gandhi is trying to justify emergency! She is trying to project Indira Gandhi as victim, but her PR exercise cannot hide the truth as Indira Gandhi imposed emergency, & Rajiv Gandhi carried forward that legacy by his famous comment ‘Ek Bada Ped Girta Hai to Dharti Hilti Hai’ justifying 1984 massacre of Sikhs! Nation has not forgiven Gandhi Vadra family, nation will not!”
Gandhi defends emergency context and democratic restoration
In the interview, Gandhi conceded that democratic rights and habeas corpus were suspended between June 25, 1975, and March 21, 1977, but maintained the move was carried out through constitutional mechanisms.
She detailed how widespread arson, calls for the armed forces to disobey orders, and violent street demonstrations influenced Indira Gandhi’s call. She noted that her mother-in-law eventually expressed public regret and restored democracy by calling the March 1977 elections, while Rajiv Gandhi frequently conveyed public feedback to her.
Turning her attention to the current administration, Gandhi claimed that the past twelve years had seen severe damage inflicted on India’s institutions. She remarked, “Over the last twelve years great damage has been done to the fabric of our country, our democracy and our institutions. Even after this government goes it will take time to restore our systems back to health, and great effort from political parties. People are now beginning to be restless and recognising the damage. But I am optimistic and I know that the people of India will welcome a return to proper governance.”
BJP leaders dismiss institutional damage claims
BJP MP Tarun Chugh pushed back strongly against her assessment of Indian democracy, asserting that the nation’s cultural ethos and Sanatana traditions had survived centuries of foreign invasions and colonial rule.
Chugh targeted the Congress leadership over the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, accusing three generations of the Gandhi family of attempting to block it. He added that removing what he called “Italian-made glasses” would reveal a nation progressing under a 7.8 per cent growth rate and the government’s development initiatives.
