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Key Points

Anil Shastri, son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, has drawn parallels between India today and the 1975 Emergency, calling the current situation an "undeclared Emergency." He agrees with Rahul Gandhi's admission that the Emergency was a mistake and highlights increased restrictions on freedom of speech today. Shastri recalls the historical impact of the Emergency on elections and believes Congress has proven its governance capabilities. His remarks contribute to a broader discussion on the Emergency's legacy and current political climate.

Key Points: Anil Shastri Warns of Undeclared Emergency in India Today

  • Anil Shastri compares current situation to 1975 Emergency
  • Claims more censorship now than during Emergency
  • Praises Rahul Gandhi's acknowledgment of past mistakes
  • Urges introspection within Congress about Emergency legacy
2 min read

'We are living in an undeclared Emergency': Lal Bahadur Shastri's son

Anil Shastri, son of Lal Bahadur Shastri, claims India faces more restrictions now than during the 1975 Emergency.

"We are living in an undeclared Emergency. - Anil Shastri"

New Delhi, June 25

As India marks 50 years since the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975, senior Congress leader and son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Anil Kumar Shastri, said on Wednesday that people today are living in an 'undeclared Emergency'.

Recalling the day Emergency was declared, Shastri said, "I was a young man working at Voltas in Mumbai. I still remember the morning of June 26, 1975. When I picked up the Indian Express, its editorial column was blank in the protest; it was shocking. That was not a good time for democracy."

Shastri welcomed the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's, admission that the Emergency was a mistake.

"A few months back, LoP Rahul Gandhi publicly said that the Emergency was wrong. And I agree, any curbs on freedom of speech are unacceptable in a democracy," Shastri told IANS.

However, he believes the current situation is graver. "Today, there are even more restrictions than during the Emergency period. Whether it is newspapers, news agencies, or political parties, anyone who speaks against the government is targeted. They are slapped with ED, CBI or Income Tax raids. We are living in an undeclared Emergency."

Speaking about the political aftermath of the 1975 Emergency, he said that Congress lost the 1977 elections because the people voted against the Emergency.

"Even Indira Gandhi lost from Rae Bareli. But when the Janata Party failed to govern, the people realised that only Congress could lead the nation. That's why Congress returned to power with a huge majority in 1980, and again in 1984."

Shastri also reminded that the Congress led the nation from 2004 to 2014, saying that Congress has proven time and again that it is capable of running the country responsibly.

As the political discourse reignites around the Emergency's legacy, Shastri's remarks add to the growing introspection within the Congress, while also sharply criticising the current regime for what he calls "more dangerous" curbs on freedom than those imposed in 1975.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting perspective from Shastri ji. While Emergency was indeed a dark chapter, comparing today's situation seems exaggerated. Media today is more vocal than ever - just look at prime time debates! The real Emergency was when newspapers were forced to print blank pages.
P
Priya M.
At least Congress leaders are admitting their mistakes now. But why only talk about 1975 Emergency? What about the constant misuse of agencies during UPA time? Pot calling kettle black? 🤔 We need consistent democratic values from all parties.
S
Sanjay T.
The Emergency comparison is unfair. Today we have social media where anyone can express views freely. During Emergency, even film songs were censored! But yes, we must remain vigilant about press freedom - that's the soul of our democracy.
A
Ananya R.
While I respect Shastri ji's legacy, this seems like political rhetoric. If this was really an Emergency, would opposition leaders be holding press conferences criticizing the government daily? The real test is whether power changes hands peacefully through elections - which it has.
V
Vikram J.
The Emergency debate is important but let's not forget - today India has stronger institutions. Courts, EC, media are more independent now. During Emergency, even judges were transferred for unfavorable judgments. We've come a long way, but constant vigilance is needed. Jai Hind!
N
Neha P.
Interesting how Congress remembers Emergency only when out of power. Where was this concern when they were ruling? That said, we must protect our democratic values always - no matter which party is in charge. The people's voice must never be silenced again like in 1975.

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