Unseen pictures of PM Modi during Indira Gandhi's EMERGENCY
Imposition of Emergency
In 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in India, suspending civil liberties and arresting opposition leaders to maintain political control.
Unexpected Opportunity
Narendra Modi viewed the Emergency as an opportunity (Aapda Mein Avsar) to collaborate with diverse leaders and organizations across political spectrums, broadening his exposure to varied ideologies.
Role in Navnirman Andolan
During the 1974 Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, Modi, as an RSS Yuva Pracharak, witnessed the influential role of student activism firsthand, delivering impassioned speeches for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
Resistance Efforts
Modi coordinated the distribution of international newspapers like Satyavani opposing the Emergency and underground Gujarati magazines such as Sadhana and Bhumiputra within jails, supporting the dissent movement.
Master of Disguise
Utilizing effective disguises, including attire as a Swamiji in saffron robes and as a turbaned Sikh, Modi successfully avoided detection while carrying out crucial missions, including delivering critical documents.
Literary Contribution
In 1978, Modi penned Sangharsh Ma Gujarat, chronicling his leadership during Gujarats underground anti-Emergency movement. Completed in 23 days on a diet of lemon water, the memoir was launched by Chief Minister Babubhai Jasbhai Patel.
End of Emergency
The Emergency was lifted in 1977 amid growing public dissent and electoral losses for the Congress Party, marking a significant period in Indias democratic history highlighting the balance between security and civil liberties.