Sonia Gandhi defends Indira Gandhi's Emergency decision, says former PM apologised for excesses

New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has defended former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's decision to impose the Emergency in 1975, saying the circumstances at the time were rapidly deteriorating and that her mother-in-law later acknowledged the excesses committed during the 21-month period.

In an interview with The Hindu ahead of the launch of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia said she came to understand the full gravity of the situation only after the Emergency. She acknowledged that democratic rights had been curtailed and habeas corpus suspended, but maintained that the decision was taken constitutionally.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the declaration, Sonia said Indira Gandhi had been struggling to deal with violent protests, arson attacks on government offices and public transport, widespread unrest and calls for the bureaucracy and armed forces to disobey orders.

"Yet, when I take myself back to that period and try and see it from Mrs Gandhi's (Indira Gandhi) point of view, I see her struggling to cope with the rapidly deteriorating prevailing circumstances," she said.

Sonia also pointed out that Indira Gandhi eventually recognised the situation and called a general election in March 1977. She said the former Prime Minister had subsequently publicly expressed regret and apologised for the excesses committed during the Emergency.

The Congress leader also spoke about the state of India's democratic institutions, accusing the BJP-led government of causing considerable damage to the country's democratic framework over the past 12 years.

"Over the last twelve years, great damage has been done to the fabric of our country, our democracy and our institutions," she said.

However, Sonia expressed confidence that voters would eventually bring about a return to proper governance. She cautioned that restoring democratic institutions would require considerable time and effort, even after the present government leaves office.

"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," she said.

On memoir and her journey to India

The interview also touched upon Sonia's forthcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which traces her journey from childhood in post-war Italy to her life in India and her eventual entry into politics.

Describing the book as a love story, she said it explored not only her relationship with her husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, but also how she grew attached to his family and the country.

Sonia said she had long been reluctant to speak about these personal experiences. However, she eventually felt compelled to enter public life when she believed the purpose behind the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family was under threat and the Congress was weakening.

The memoir explores her personal experiences, the losses that shaped her life and her relationship with India, which became her adopted country.