P N Dhar's Insights: Emergency, Indira, and Sanjay Gandhi's Role

In a detailed account of the Emergency era in his book 'Indira Gandhi, the Emergency, and Indian Democracy', P N Dhar, who served as principal secretary to Indira Gandhi, provides a unique perspective on this turbulent period in India's history. One figure that emerges unfavorably in Dhar's narrative is Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's younger son. During the Emergency, the Prime Minister's Home became a hub for "extra-constitutional" activities, with individuals loyal to Sanjay Gandhi exerting significant influence, often undermining the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Dhar notes that even after Indira Gandhi was replaced by Morarji Desai, the imbalances in power structures persisted. Sanjay Gandhi's influence peaked during this period, aided by loyalists like Bansi Lal, causing alarm with attempts to establish a constituent assembly for constitutional changes. Indira Gandhi was oblivious to some of these maneuvers, leading Dhar to speculate if Sanjay had become too independent for even her control.

After the Emergency was lifted, and following the Congress's unexpected defeat in the 1977 elections, whispers of Indira's misdeeds and fears of retaliation against Sanjay grew rampant. Rajiv Gandhi expressed concern for his mother while harboring resentment towards Sanjay, revealing the family dynamics at play.

The lead-up to the Emergency saw tension as Congress faced setbacks, including a notable loss in the Gujarat elections and the Allahabad High Court ruling disqualifying Indira from the Lok Sabha. Dhar elucidates that Indira turned inwards, finding solace only with Sanjay, who, despite his numerous flaws, remained under her protective wing. This dependency influenced her decisions and fortified her resolve against opposition from both political rivals and within her party.

Indira Gandhi's alliance with the Communist Party, which labeled JP's movement as a fascist act, bolstered her belief in the necessity of the Emergency. Dhar critiques figures like Jayaprakash Narayan for his break from constitutional norms, but he acknowledges JP's role in consolidating dissent against Indira. JP's history in the Quit India Movement and refusal of governmental positions imbued him with moral authority, vital for rallying resistance.

Despite extending the Lok Sabha's tenure, Dhar recounts a pivotal moment of realization for Indira upon reading about the harsh sterilization campaigns tied to Sanjay's initiatives. For the first time, she appeared to question the continuation of the Emergency. Some Congress members, disillusioned with Sanjay, even advocated for elections against potential losses. Dhar's discussions with the chief election commissioner signaled a shift towards reinstating electoral processes, culminating in the surprise announcement of forthcoming elections.

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