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Press under siege: Saga of censorship, courage & resistance

July 6, 2025, 2:05 am

Journalists bravely resisted censorship and repression during Emergency, upholding press freedom under intense pressure.

The large-scale political repression, arrests, and censorship during the Emergency (1975-77) have again become a topic of discussion after 50 years. However, it is also important to note that despite the sword of power hanging over them, many editors and journalists in India not only challenged the government but also played a significant role in sending information for underground activities and distributing written or printed material across the country.

I had been working since 1971 as a correspondent for the news agency Hindusthan Samachar in Delhi, reporting on politics and Parliament. I used to write articles in newspapers about government-opposing movements in Gujarat and Bihar along with reporting. Baleshwar Agrawal, the chief managing editor of Hindusthan Samachar, and the bureau chief were former RSS propagators. However, being a major news agency of Indian languages, they had good contacts with several Congress ministers and leaders. It was through them that a young journalist like me was introduced to these leaders.

The monthly payments from the central and state governments for installing teleprinters in their offices were a major source of income for the agency. Hence, the Emergency imposed in 1975 came as a huge shock for journalists like me. By chance, I was assigned to work in Gujarat for a few months, which allowed me to travel between Gujarat and Delhi. Before the merger of two English and two Hindi news agencies by the government in February 1976, I got a job as a correspondent with the weekly magazine Hindustan Times. Thus, I continued to receive updates about the activities of both the government and the opposition.

On June 26, 1975, the President declared a state of Emergency, stating that the country was facing a severe crisis and internal disturbances threatened national security. With the declaration of Emergency, the government launched an attack on the press. Although the Emergency was declared, the framework for press censorship was not initially prepared. The government considered it necessary to stop newspapers from publishing. Newspapers remained without electricity from June 26 to June 29. Later, the government devised a censorship policy and appointed Dr Baji as the Chief Censor, who served until H.J.D. Penha was permanently appointed to the position.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was highly displeased with the press.
On July 22, 1975, in a speech in the Rajya Sabha, she said, “Before newspapers existed, there were no movements. Movements happen on the pages of newspapers. If you want to know why newspapers were censored, this is the answer. I have no doubt that newspapers incite people and spread communal frenzy.”

Gandhi believed the press was against her government. She accused the press of publishing false and fabricated news that damaged the country’s dignity. According to her, overemphasis on rights without responsibilities leads to a dangerous situation, and some newspapers were doing just that. She said there was no place for positive news in newspapers, while gossip, lies, and damaging news were exaggerated. This weakens the country and lowers people’s morale. She also accused the press of undermining the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office and directing the opposition. She justified the Emergency by stating that it was imposed to balance responsibilities and rights.

Accordingly, on June 27, 1975, guidelines for the press were issued. Newspapers were instructed to avoid publishing news that would harm the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office. On August 5, 1975, another directive was issued, stating that only news related to law and order and the country’s economic development should be published. The censor office also stated that any news or movement against the government would not be permitted. Editorial spaces were to be left blank or replaced with quotations. Moreover, the Chief Censor sent telex messages to censor chiefs in states, emphasising the secrecy of these directives and instructing them to inform editors verbally.

Thus, the government created a system that allowed nothing against it to be published, and whatever did get published favoured the government. The result of these censorship orders was that even statements criticising public sector enterprises, such as those by the chairman of the MRTP Commission, were not published. Censors also banned publication of court orders and news about judges’ transfers. In some states where opposition parties governed, their proposals for constitutional reforms were also blocked from publication. The first editor arrested was R. Malkani of Motherland, published by the RSS. Sadly, some editors even congratulated Gandhi for imposing the Emergency. On the other hand, esteemed editors like Kuldip Nayar, who had worked with Lal Bahadur Shastri and Gandhi, called journalists to assemble at the Press Club on June 28, 1975, at 10 am. I was amazed to see 103 journalists gathered there, including some editors. Nayar prepared a resolution which everyone passed, condemning the censorship and urging the government to lift it immediately. They also demanded the release of journalists already detained. The resolution was sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Information and Broadcasting Minister with signatures.

Did You Know We Didn’t Always Have This PMO? It Was Indira Gandhi Who First Consolidated Power in Office

March 31, 2025, 11:01 pm

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of India has grown from a modest secretarial unit at independence into the nerve center of national governance. Established in 1947 as the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS), it was initially a low-profile office intended to assist the Prime Minister with routine administrative support. Over the decades, the PMO’s structure, authority, and influence have expanded significantly, shaped by the leadership style of each Prime Minister and the political context of their tenure. This report provides a narrative history of the PMO’s institutional development from 1947 to the present, highlights key milestones in its evolution, and analyzes how its role has changed under various Prime Ministers. It also spotlights two key advisers—P. N. Haksar and Brajesh Mishra—who played pivotal roles in redefining the PMO’s trajectory. Finally, it examines the changing nature of the PMO’s influence in governance and its relationship with other institutions like the Cabinet Secretariat and ministries. The Prime Minister’s Office is located in the iconic South Block of the Secretariat Building in New Delhi.

Over time, the PMO has become the administrative hub for the Prime Minister’s immediate staff and key advisors, reflecting its central place in Indian governance.

Origins and Early Years (1947–1964):

A Modest Secretariat In August 1947, with India’s independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru set up the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS) as his support office. Nehru’s PMS was intentionally low-profile – it was headed by a civil servant of joint secretary rank and focused mainly on providing personal secretarial assistance. Nehru preferred to govern through the traditional cabinet system, relying on strong ministers and the Cabinet Secretariat for policy coordination. His Principal Private Secretary, e.g. H. V. R. Iengar and later M. O. Mathai, wielded some influence but remained a step below top bureaucratic ranks. Nehru even allowed his private secretary to attend Cabinet meetings – an unusual move at the time – but generally maintained the norm that major decisions were taken collectively by Cabinet ministers, with the Prime Minister acting as a coordinator. In essence, during Nehru’s 17-year tenure, the PMS did not yet emerge as an independent power center; it functioned as a secretarial unit while the Cabinet Secretariat (headed by the Cabinet Secretary) continued to coordinate inter-ministerial matters and implement cabinet decisions. However, by the early 1960s, circumstances began to change. The demands of governance had grown, and Nehru himself faced health issues in his final years. After Nehru’s death in May 1964, his successor Lal Bahadur Shastri immediately saw the need to strengthen the Prime Minister’s personal office. Shastri was a more diffident leader who felt the pressures of high office and lacked a large personal political base. Within a month of taking charge, in June 1964, Shastri institutionalized the PMS by giving it formal statutory status through an insertion in the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules. This seemingly minor administrative change had far-reaching consequences: it marked the elevation of the PMS’s role from merely clerical to a more authoritative coordinating office at the center of government.

Shifting Power: Shastri’s Reforms and Indira Gandhi’s PMO (1964–1977)

Shastri (1964–66) appointed L.K. Jha as Secretary to the PM—the first with Secretary rank—marking a pivotal shift. Jha became Shastri’s closest aide, advising on economy and foreign policy, including the Tashkent peace talks and speech drafts. His influence rivaled the Cabinet Secretariat, leading observers to say Shastri “permanently eroded the primacy” of the Cabinet Secretary. This created a parallel power channel in the PMO.

Indira Gandhi, succeeding Shastri, retained Jha but appointed P.N. Haksar in 1967. Haksar, sharing her socialist vision, became Principal Secretary in 1971 and centralized power in the PMS. He drove major policies like bank nationalization (1969) and strategy in the 1971 Bangladesh war. PMS was called “a super agency that dictated [to] different ministries,” running a parallel government. Ministers lost autonomy, as policies were routed through the PMS. Critics accused Indira of personal rule through the PMS, undermining cabinet system and civil service neutrality.

Haksar believed Nehru lacked an apex mechanism to enforce PM’s vision. Under Indira, PMS coordinated with central ministries and states, maintained its own info channels, and kept dossiers on political opponents. By early 1970s, PMS eclipsed Cabinet Secretariat as administrative fulcrum. Post-Emergency, Morarji Desai’s Janata Govt. (1977–79) renamed PMS to PMO, cut its size, abolished the Principal Secretary post, and restored Cabinet Secretariat primacy. This was a short-lived corrective phase, but the strong PMO model was now well established.

Resurgence and Adaptation: Indira’s Return and the Rajiv Gandhi Era (1980–1989)

Indira’s 1980 return revived the PMO’s central role. She reappointed a Principal Secretary and used the PMO for policy direction and oversight. Her second-term Principal Secretary, P.C. Alexander, managed the PMO in a more bureaucratic style. Yet, the PMO oversaw major issues like public sector expansion, 1982 Asian Games, and Punjab security. Indira retained multiple advisors, shaping a robust PMO structure with secretaries, advisors, and political aides.

After Indira’s 1984 assassination, Rajiv Gandhi modernized the PMO to match his 21st-century vision. His PMO initiated national tech missions (e.g., telecom, literacy), with advisors like Sam Pitroda. The office had career bureaucrats like Gopi Arora and political aides. In 1985, Sarla Grewal became India’s first woman Principal Secretary. The PMO coordinated on major issues like the 1987 Sri Lanka peace accord and Punjab negotiations.

However, scandals like Bofors led Rajiv to reshuffle aides (e.g., Gopi Arora ousted in 1987), relying more on political advisors. B.G. Deshmukh noted a recurring issue: “ministers and the non-civil servants (advisors) in the PMO” often encroached on ministry powers, while bureaucrats remained professional. By 1989, the PMO was firmly a central power node, though needing recalibration for the evolving political landscape.

PMO in the Coalition Era (1989–1998): Diminished Authority, Shared Power

From 1989 to 1998, India saw a succession of coalition and minority governments, which reduced the PMO’s assertiveness. Prime Ministers like V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, Deve Gowda, and Gujral relied on consensus and compromise, limiting the PMO to a coordinating role rather than a policymaking hub. Even during P.V. Narasimha Rao’s tenure (1991–96), though reforms were introduced, the PMO functioned behind the scenes, with key decisions (like economic liberalization) driven by ministries. Rao preferred decentralized advice over a powerful inner circle.

The Cabinet Secretariat and ministers enjoyed more autonomy, and the PMO’s influence depended on the Prime Minister’s personal authority. While its structure remained intact, the PMO’s clout was muted, awaiting revival under stronger leadership.

The Vajpayee Era (1998–2004): Professionalization and Expansion of Scope

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister from 1998 reinvigorated and expanded the PMO. Despite leading a coalition, Vajpayee’s stature gave him significant control. The PMO gained authority and professionalized, especially in national security, under Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra, a former diplomat who also became India’s first National Security Advisor in 1998. Holding both posts, Mishra was Vajpayee’s chief coordinator and troubleshooter, often seen as the de facto head of government in key areas due to Vajpayee’s delegatory style. The PMO under them became central to foreign affairs and defense, with Mishra playing a key role in the secretive Pokhran-II nuclear tests, India’s diplomatic outreach post-tests, the 1999 Lahore peace process, and the Kargil War response. The office’s capacity grew with new advisory roles and mechanisms like the National Security Council, embedding strategic planning in the PMO. Mishra brought strategic experts like K. Subrahmanyam and ensured direct PMO access to intelligence and defense planning. His diplomatic experience meant the PMO began asserting itself in external affairs, occasionally causing turf tensions with the External Affairs Ministry. Specialists like N. K. Singh (economic affairs) and Ashok Tandon (media advisor) added to a corporate-style PMO with formal protocols. Mishra’s influence often surpassed Cabinet Ministers, yet Vajpayee maintained a collegial Cabinet, respecting coalition dynamics. By 2004, the PMO had firmly established itself as a central player in domestic administration and foreign/security policy. Mishra’s powerful tenure earned him the title “arguably India’s most powerful principal secretary.”

UPA Years (2004–2014): Dual Power and a Restrained PMO

During the UPA rule (2004–2014), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led a consensus-based government with limited personal authority, while Congress President Sonia Gandhi, though outside government, held significant influence via the National Advisory Council (NAC). This dual power structure meant the PMO played a coordinating role rather than being the central driver of policy. Key decisions were often made through Group of Ministers, with the NAC shaping major welfare schemes like MNREGA and RTI. The PMO focused on implementation and strategic issues, notably during the India-US nuclear deal and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Although Singh’s PMO oversaw core functions, real power often rested with the party leadership, creating what was termed a “remote control” model of governance. The PMO remained functional but lacked dominant political clout.

The Modi Era (2014–Present): Centralized Power and an Assertive PMO

Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the PMO into the most powerful center of governance, marking a sharp shift toward centralization. With a strong electoral mandate, Modi reduced reliance on cabinet committees, bringing all key decisions under PMO control. Ministries must align with the PMO’s directives, and flagship initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Make in India are monitored directly by the PMO.

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Banned in Bangladesh Ahead of January Release

January 15, 2025, 4:53 pm

Kangana Ranaut’s much-awaited directorial movie, Emergency, is all set to release in Indian cinemas on January 17. However, the film has been banned in Bangladesh due to the existing political tensions between the two countries, a source said. The decision to stop the screening of Emergency in Bangladesh is also related to strained relations between India and Bangladesh now. “The reason for the ban is more on the political situations prevailing between these two nations, rather than what the film contents are,” according to the source.

Kangana Ranaut, known for her bold performances and fearless attitude, is essaying former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in this historical drama. The film delves into the 1975 Emergency period, one of India’s most controversial political chapters. The film is set to release on January 17 after facing repeated delays due to pending CBFC certification.

Maha CM to attend Special Screening of ‘Emergency’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will attend a special screening of this highly anticipated period political drama Emergency on Thursday in Mumbai. Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, the film revisits the turbulent period of the Emergency in 1975, a pivotal and controversial chapter in India’s political history.

On the other hand, Actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman shared his look as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw from the movie. In his Instagram post, Soman shared a photo of his look from the movie and shared that he was “playing India’s greatest soldier”, Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw.

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A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning)

Kangana on Stepping Into Indira Gandhi’s Shoes

Talking exclusively to Firstpost, Kangana opened up on the challenges she faced in essaying such a complex role. “Mrs Gandhi was surprisingly a very unconfident person. She was very vulnerable, often chewing her lower lip and showing nervous tics. She was petite and came from a background vastly different from mine,” she said.

Comparing herself with the former Prime Minister, Kangana highlighted how their personalities contrasted with each other. “She was the Prime Minister’s daughter, educated in Geneva and London, but lacked confidence in public speaking. They called her ‘Goongi Gudiyaa’ for the longest time. I, on the other hand, have always been confident, whether or not I know English. For me, it’s always about what I think of others, not the other way around,” she said with a laugh.

A Daring Director

In the 2019 film Manikarnika, Kangana Ranaut directed a film. For Emergency, the actress-turned-filmmaker is more than ready for the challenges of the job. Here’s what the actress-turned-filmmaker said about the challenge.

The film’s storyline and Ranaut’s performance as Gandhi have already sparked conversation, making it one of the most talked-about releases of 2025. While the Bangladesh ban has made a lot of noise, it has also piqued more interest in the film.

1983 NAM Summit: Fidel Castro’s Bear Hug To Indira Gandhi And Its Global Impact

December 7, 2024, 11:27 am

The 7th NAM Summit, held in New Delhi from March 7 to 9, 1983, is considered a historical moment in world diplomacy. Leaders from more than 140 countries attended the summit, which became a defining moment for nations advocating independence from the geopolitical influence of the two superpowers of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union. However, the political importance aside, it is remembered for Fidel Castro’s hug, which epitomised bear hug by embracing Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

A Hug That Made History

During the summit, Cuban leader Fidel Castro transferred the leadership of NAM to Indira Gandhi. The transfer of the gavel, an already politically charged moment, took a surprising twist as Castro hugged Gandhi in a giant bear hug. The move was unexpected, but quickly, it turned into a celebration moment as delegates from around the world erupted in applause with the hug becoming one of the images of solidarity among the non-aligned nations.

This iconic moment helped shift attention away from India‘s domestic challenges, particularly criticism surrounding the Assam election violence, and projected Gandhi as a unifying figure on the global stage.

Castro‘s Role in Mediating Crises

The summit was threatened by yet another diplomatic standoff with Palestine leader Yasser Arafat. Arafat objected to his speaking scheduleand hinted at leaving the summit. Fidel Castro‘s intervention proved a turning point. He made a personal appeal to Arafat and Indira Gandhi so that Arafat calmed down and stayed put for the afternoon session. He saved the summit from falling into a crisis.

A Cultural Glance: Gabriel Garcia Marquez in India

Adding a cultural dimension to the political summit, Castro facilitated the presence of Nobel Prize-winning Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez. A proponent of magical realism, whose works include One Hundred Years of Solitude, Marquez spent three days in India, adding intellectual depth to the event.

Interestingly, Marquez admired Indira Gandhi very much and even named his daughter, Indira Cato, in her honor. He was present at the summit in accordance with a tacit agreement that Gandhi and Castro had concluded in a prior meeting held in Moscow when Gandhi askedMarquez to visit India.

Legacy of the 1983 NAM Summit

The 7th NAM Summit is a symbol of global unity and enrichmentthrough culture. The bear hug between Fidel Castro and Indira Gandhi continues to symbolize solidarity among non-aligned nations. Figures like Gabriel Garcia Marquez were included in such summits, and there was a growing importance towards blending cultural diplomacy with political dialogue.

Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Gets Theatrical Release Date

November 18, 2024, 2:32 pm

Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated political drama Emergency has finally secured a theatrical release date after receiving censor clearance. The film, which explores the life and times of India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, will hit cinemas on January 17, 2025.

Emergency is set against the backdrop of the 1970s when India was gripped by the controversial Emergency period. Kangana, who plays Indira Gandhi in the film, shared the news with her fans on social media, stating, “17th January 2025 – The epic saga of the nation’s most powerful woman and the moment that altered India’s destiny. #Emergency – Unveils Only in cinemas on 17.01.2025.”

Film Faces Controversies, Gets Censor Approval

The film’s journey to the big screen has not been without hurdles. Initially scheduled for a September 6, 2024 release, Emergency was delayed due to a series of controversies. Several Sikh groups lodged complaints alleging that the film portrayed the Sikh community in a negative light. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) conducted a review, resulting in around 13 cuts and changes to the movie. Some of the changes included the removal of violent scenes and a revision of a dialogue that referred to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as “saint” or “sant.”

Despite these revisions, the film was granted a U/A certificate by the CBFC, clearing the way for its theatrical release.

Ensemble Cast and Production Details

Emergency boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring actors like Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Manikarnika Films, and Renu Pitti. The music for the film has been composed by Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar, while the screenplay and dialogues have been penned by Ritesh Shah, known for his acclaimed work in Indian cinema.

With the official release date set, the film is expected to offer a dramatic portrayal of one of the most crucial and debated periods in India’s democratic history.

Chief Justice’s Inspiration: Uncle Who Defied Indira Gandhi, Missed Top Judicial Role

November 11, 2024, 4:20 pm

Forty-seven years before Justice Sanjiv Khanna became India’s 51st Chief Justice, the Khanna family was close to having its first Chief Justice through his uncle, Justice Hans Raj Khanna. However, Justice Khanna’s dissenting opinion during India’s Emergency period prevented him from reaching the nation’s highest judicial position.

Born in 1912, Justice Hans Raj Khanna studied in Amritsar before entering the legal field. He was appointed as a district and sessions judge in 1952 and later served as a high court judge in Delhi and Punjab. In 1971, he ascended to the Supreme Court, positioned to become Chief Justice in 1977.

But fate had different plans. During the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government in 1975, a pivotal case, ADM Jabalpur vs Shivkant Shukla, reached a five-judge Supreme Court bench. The court ruled 4-1 that personal liberty could be suspended in state interests; Justice Khanna was the lone dissenter. He declared preventive detention laws without trial to be “an anathema to all those who love personal liberty,” warning of the erosion of essential human freedoms. Despite being next in line, Justice Khanna was passed over in favor of Justice MH Beg as Chief Justice, leading him to resign.

Justice Khanna is also renowned for his stance in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), where he supported the doctrine that Parliament could amend the Constitution, but its basic structure must remain unchanged.

Also read: Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India

After leaving the judiciary, Justice Khanna was approached by the Janata Party to contest elections and later to lead Emergency-related investigations, but he declined due to potential bias. He briefly served as Law Commission chairman and was offered the Union Law Minister position in 1979, which he resigned from after three days. In 1982, he ran as the opposition’s presidential candidate but lost to Zail Singh. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 1999 and passed away in 2008 at age 95.

Years after his passing, the Supreme Court overruled the ADM Jabalpur verdict in Puttuswamy vs Union of India, acknowledging that Justice Khanna was right to assert that the right to life and liberty exists beyond state control, stating, “life and personal liberty are inalienable to human existence.”

For Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Hans Raj Khanna was an enduring inspiration. Although his parents hoped he would pursue accounting due to the challenges of a legal career, Sanjiv Khanna followed his uncle’s path, drawn by his courage in defending fundamental freedoms. Sources say he admired his uncle’s work and preserved his judgments, notes, and registers, planning to donate them to the Supreme Court library. On his first day as a Supreme Court judge in 2019, Justice Sanjiv Khanna sat in his uncle’s former courtroom, where a portrait of Justice HR Khanna still hangs—a tribute to his legacy.

From Indira Gandhi To Justin, ‘Double Standards’: The Trudeau Legacy And Khalistan Challenges

October 22, 2024, 4:08 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has criticized Canada for its “double standards” as tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa escalate following allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. Jaishankar’s comments come on the heels of New Delhi’s recent decision to expel Canadian diplomats in response to accusations linking India to Nijjar’s death.

Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

In a statement made on Monday, Jaishankar described Canada’s actions as exhibiting “double standards,” a term he deemed a “very mild word” for the situation. His remarks were prompted by the ongoing diplomatic fallout after Canada expelled Indian diplomats and raised new allegations against the Indian government regarding Nijjar’s killing in British Columbia.

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Last week, India expelled Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats, further intensifying the diplomatic crisis. India also recalled its high commissioner and five additional diplomats in response to Canada’s claims. The diplomatic spat marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries, which had already been strained following Nijjar’s killing.

Historical Context of Khalistani Issues

The current crisis is not an isolated incident; it reflects a long-standing tension between India and Canada over the Khalistani movement. Notably, the issue dates back to 1982, when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi voiced her concerns to Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s father, regarding Canada’s inadequate response to the Khalistani challenge.

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That year, Surjan Singh Gill, a Khalistani sympathizer, set up the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver, issuing blue Khalistani passports and currency, although these efforts received limited local support. At the time, Pierre Trudeau declined India’s request to extradite a suspect involved in the killing of two police officers in Punjab.

Jaishankar Critiques Canada’s Response

Jaishankar pointed out the contradictions in Canada’s stance, saying, “If you threaten the Indian high commissioner, he is supposed to accept it as freedom of speech, but if an Indian journalist comments on the Canadian high commissioner’s demeanor, it is labeled as foreign interference.”

He further criticized the Canadian government for its handling of threats against Indian airlines and diplomats. “They call this freedom of speech. But my question to them is: if you received these threats, would you take them lightly?” Jaishankar remarked.

A Call for Defined Solutions

Despite the ongoing tensions, Jaishankar expressed a desire to maintain people-to-people relations between India and Canada. He stressed the need to clearly define the challenges posed by a segment of Canadian politics that supports Khalistani sentiments. “We need to narrow this down and define this problem for what it is,” he concluded.

The diplomatic situation continues to evolve, with both nations facing pressure to address the underlying issues while navigating their complex relationship.

The Truth Behind the Viral Image: Sitaram Yechury, Indira Gandhi, and JNU Students’ Union

September 12, 2024, 7:17 pm

Veteran political leader and CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away this afternoon at the age of 72, after being treated in the intensive care unit at AIIMS New Delhi. Yechury, who was admitted to the hospital on August 19 for a pneumonia-like chest infection, received condolences from leaders across the political spectrum. He is survived by his wife, senior journalist Seema Chishti, daughter Akhila, and son Daanish. His 34-year-old son, Ashish Yechury, had tragically passed away due to Covid-19 in 2021.

Yechury was a prominent leftist leader known for his eloquence and active roles in both Parliament and political activism. His political career, which began in the 1970s, was marked by his exceptional organizational skills and his wide-reaching influence across political parties in India. Over the years, he also embraced modern technology and social media, and his interviews with popular podcasters frequently gained attention.

However, Yechury was not immune to the spread of misinformation. An old image of him with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recently went viral on social media, accompanied by misleading claims. Several posts falsely stated that in 1975, during the Emergency, Indira Gandhi had entered Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) with Delhi Police, assaulted Yechury—who was then president of the JNU Students’ Union—and forced him to resign for protesting against the Emergency.

In reality, the situation was different. The photograph was taken outside Indira Gandhi’s residence, not at JNU, and it was shot in 1977, after the Emergency had ended. Yechury had organized a demonstration that year demanding that Indira Gandhi resign from her position as chancellor of JNU after he was elected president of the Students’ Union. The viral image depicts Indira Gandhi listening to Yechury as he read out the students’ union’s demands. Despite losing the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, Indira Gandhi continued in her role as chancellor of the institution.

This incident highlights the power of misinformation in the digital age, even as leaders like Yechury maintained their relevance across various platforms and decades.

Kangana Ranaut discloses that ‘Emergency’ is awaiting censor board certification

August 31, 2024, 4:18 am

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has announced that her eagerly awaited political drama, Emergency, is still pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which explores the controversial period of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s emergency rule, has faced unforeseen challenges due to its sensitive subject matter, Kangana revealed through a social media post.

Despite previous reports suggesting that Emergency had already been cleared by the CBFC, Kangana clarified that the film’s certification process is currently on hold. “There have been rumors that Emergency has been certified by the Censor Board. This is not accurate. While our film did receive clearance from the CBFC, the certification has been delayed due to multiple death threats directed at the board members,” Kangana stated.

Kangana expressed her frustration over the situation, emphasizing the pressure filmmakers are under. She added, “This has put immense pressure on us to possibly avoid depicting sensitive topics such as the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. It begs the question—what can we actually include in the film if these critical events are potentially censored? The film risks being abruptly compromised.”

The film’s intricate themes and politically charged content have sparked significant debate. Emergency, which Kangana has fully directed, features a notable cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in key roles. Set against the backdrop of the 1975 emergency period in India, Kangana portrays Indira Gandhi herself.

The official trailer, recently released, has piqued audience interest by showcasing young Indira Gandhi’s relationship with her father, the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and her journey through political conflicts and turmoil. It also offers a glimpse into the film’s exploration of significant issues, including the Emergency period, the Shimla Agreement, the rise of the Khalistan movement, and the JP Andolan.

Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency promises to provide a compelling portrayal of one of India’s most turbulent political eras. With a screenplay and dialogues by Ritesh Shah and music by Sanchit Balhara, the film aims to captivate viewers with its depiction of this pivotal chapter in India’s history.

When admiration for Indira led to hijacking of a plane

August 26, 2024, 3:55 am

The man who had hijacked an Indian airlines Lucknow-Delhi-Kolkata flight to protest against Morarji Desai government’s “vindictiveness” against Indira Gandhi died in Luckow last week professing to be a life-long Congressman.

Bhola Nath Pandey breathed last on Friday, August 23, 2024 aged, 71. Priyanka Gandhi condoled his death on twitter recalling his services and contribution to the grand old party.
On December 20, 1978, two young men, Bhola Nath Pandey and Devendra Pandey, had reportedly hijacked the Lucknow- Delhi-Kolkata Indian Airlines Flight 410. The Boeing 737 had 126 passengers on board, among them two former ministers of Indira Gandhi’s cabinet, Ashoke Sen and Dharam Bir Sinha. Barely 15 minutes before the plane was to touch down at Delhi, the hijackers had got up and moved towards the cockpit. Captain M.N. Battiwala was forced to abort landing in Delhi and head for Varanasi.

The Pandeys were not related but their hijacking bid was driven by their mutual admiration for Indira. They spoke about the “vindictiveness” of the Janata Party-led government and demanded the former Prime Minister’s immediate and unconditional release from jail. Both said they were Youth Congress members, a claim the then Uttar Pradesh Congress unit chief Mohsina Kidwai had denied vehemently.

December 20, 1978 was an important and difficult day for Indira and the Congress as the Lok Sabha had expelled the former Prime Minister from house membership on grounds of having repeatedly committed breach of privilege and contempt of the House. The decision to jail Indira had come at the end of a 15-hour tumultuous debate spread over several sittings since the December 8, 1978 winter session of parliament. The motion to expel Indira was carried by 279 votes in favour and 138 against while thirty-seven members abstained. Indira’s jail term was effective till the prorogation of the session. This was the first instance of a member of Parliament being sentenced to jail by the house.

Soon after her expulsion and dramatic exit from Parliament, Indira was arrested and taken to Tihar Jail where she was put in a barracks of her own – in the same cell complex that George Fernandes had occupied during the Emergency. Sonia used to bring Indira’s three meals a day from home.

The hijack drama had ended by the same evening after the aircraft landed at Varanasi, where the father of one of the hijackers spoke to his son over the wireless. The father’s voice reportedly shattered the bubble of heroism. The two men, who were not carrying any firearms or explosives, emerged from the aircraft shouting pro-Indira slogans and surrendered to the police.

While the hijack drama was still going on, a senior government official informed UPCC chief Mohsina Kidwai that the two hijackers had told the authorities they would release the plane only if she asked them to. Mohsina told the official she didn’t know the hijackers.

Since her name had come up, some legal luminaries advised her to apply for anticipatory bail. Mohsina would later write in her autobiography, “My Life in Indian Politics [HCI] that she did not have a law degree, but common sense came to her rescue. She had told her lawyers that an anticipatory bail plea might be seen as an admission of guilt and association with the hijackers. She remained firm in her decision. It saved her from endless rounds of court visits.

Bhola Pandey remained fiercely loyal to the Congress. When Indira returned to power in 1980, she gave him a party ticket to contest from the Ballia assembly seat which he won. In fact, Pandey was elected to the UP assembly again in 1989. Thrice he was given a Lok Sabha ticket by the Congress from Salempur but success eluded him. He also bagged the post of AICC secretary. Pandey was known for his aggressive, bold and uncompromising instances.

Emergency Trailer: Kangana Ranaut Portrays Indira Gandhi’s Life As ‘Shakespearean Tragedy’

August 14, 2024, 3:23 pm

The trailer for “Emergency,” featuring Kangana Ranaut as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has sparked significant interest. Alongside Ranaut, the film stars Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and Milind Soman. Released on August 14, the trailer offers a glimpse into the ‘darkest times of democratic India,’ showcasing a young Indira Gandhi’s relationship with her father, the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and her navigation through wars, political unrest, and other challenges throughout her career. It hints at Gandhi’s life being portrayed as ‘a Shakespearean tragedy.’

The film’s release date has recently been updated. Initially postponed due to Kangana’s election campaign, the movie is now set to premiere on September 6, 2024. Following her victory in the Lok Sabha elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana announced the new release date with a poster.

Directed by Kangana Ranaut, “Emergency” features an ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in key roles. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, the film delves into one of India’s most turbulent political eras. The screenplay and dialogues are crafted by Ritesh Shah, with music composed by Sanchit Balhara.

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Kangana Ranaut has described the film as a portrayal of a significant chapter in Indian political history. She commented, “I am deeply inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth; the essence of Emergency is the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints. It is undoubtedly the most sensational chapter of Indian democracy and I am eagerly awaiting its worldwide release on 6th September 2024.”

In an interview with Variety, Kangana likened Indira Gandhi’s life to a Shakespearean tragedy, stating, “Her life was such a Shakespearean tragedy. It’s not for us to judge or evaluate. It is what it is. When people see the film, they will realize that it is such an honest take on the Emergency, what led to it, and what eventually came of it.”

Katy Mirza, The Actress Who Played A Role In Unseating Indira

July 31, 2024, 12:21 am

Playboy “Bunny, model, actress Katy Mirza had another claim to Bollywood fame: a role — albeit indirect — in unseating prime minister Indira Gandhi.
Katy played a politician’s personal secretary in the controversial film Kissa Kursi Ka, a political satire perceived as an attack on the Emergency. The controversy surrounding the film — and the response of the authorities — helped the Janata Party decimate Indira in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.

Katy, daughter of an income tax officer, was born in Aden as Katiya before her family moved to the UK in the 1960s. An aspiring graphic designer in 1972-73, she was working as a receptionist at the London Hilton hotel when a Playboy Club employee saw her and asked her to audition. After meeting Hugh Hefner, Katy became a Playboy “Bunny” in 1973.
She would soon move to Mumbai, attracted by fame and stardom. She also featured in Ramesh Bhal’s Kasme Vaade, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee.

Katy played Ruby, a politician’s personal secretary, in Kissa Kursi Ka, which featured Raj Babbar and Shabana Azmi. A commission had investigated the film and found that the plot resembled the life of Sanjay Gandhi. The film’s prints were confiscated and burnt.
When the Janata government came to power, it set up the Shah Commission that looked into the alleged excesses committed during the Emergency. Sanjay was held guilty of burning the prints of the film. The Supreme Court refused to grant him bail and he spent a month in Tihar jail.

V.C. Shukla, the information and broadcasting minister during the Emergency, also faced trial for alleged destruction of the prints and was jailed for two years. The verdict was later overturned.
Katy never made it big in Bollywood but there were rumours that she was close to the likes of Hussein bin Talal, the then king of Jordan.
She was seen on television in an episode of The Garland (1981) and again in The Magician of Samarkand (2006).

For the most part of the ’70s, Katy adorned magazine covers and centrespreads. It was rumoured that she had her breast size surgically reduced and prompted columnist and novelist Shobhaa De to write in the “Eyecatchers” section of India Today magazine in 1978 about Katy’s “well-publicised operation to reduce her bustline by ten fulsome inches”.
Calling it “Operation Bust”, De had said Katy had emerged “slimmer, lighter and with a big load off her chest”.

Katy had been mentioned in Sudeep Chakravarti’s novel Tin Fish, which was published in 2005. Her photographs were part of the photo essay book India: Then and Now, put together by Rudrangshu Mukherjee and Vir Sanghvi.
Katy died in London in early 2017. She was 61 and was survived by son Firoz, an actor.
Actress Anju Mahendroo was in touch with Katy Mirza when she had been admitted to a London hospital in 2017. Mahendroo had recalled, “We used to WhatsApp each other’s jokes and then one day, she wrote she would not be able to WhatsApp back as she was seriously ill.” According to Mahendroo, Katy had led a happy life after her high-profile career, “Yes, she had a nice home near Sussex and was devoted to her son.”

Nirmala Sitharaman To Break Morarji Desai’s Record With Seventh Union Budget

July 22, 2024, 2:15 pm

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history by presenting her seventh Union Budget in Parliament, surpassing the previous record held by former finance minister Morarji Desai, who presented six budgets. Desai served as finance minister under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi before becoming Prime Minister himself in 1977.

The tradition of the Union Budget began with then finance minister RK Shanmugam Chetty, who presented independent India’s first budget on November 26, 1947, amounting to ₹197.1 crore. This figure has grown exponentially, reaching ₹47.65 lakh crore in the last financial year.

Historically, the budget was presented at 5 pm, a practice changed by finance minister Yashwant Sinha in 1999 to the current 11 am slot.

Data from the Lok Sabha secretariat reveals that there have been instances where the Prime Minister, rather than the finance minister, presented the budget. Jawaharlal Nehru presented the 1958-59 budget while temporarily handling the finance portfolio. Similarly, Indira Gandhi tabled the 1969-70 budget following the resignation of finance minister Morarji Desai. In 2019, due to the ill health of then finance minister Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal presented the budget.

Until 2017, the Railways had a separate budget, which was later merged with the general budget.

After the budget is presented in the Lok Sabha, it is also tabled in the Rajya Sabha. However, the Upper House does not have the authority to approve or disapprove the budget. Budget discussions are followed by debates on ministry-specific allocations or Demands for Grants, which are ultimately passed together through a process known as Guillotine.

Though the Rajya Sabha debates the budget, it does not have the power to alter or reject it. The budget is referred back to the Lok Sabha for final approval.

Lalu Prasad On Emergency: Indira Gandhi Put Many In Jail, But….

June 29, 2024, 7:36 pm

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad on Saturday, reminisced about the 1975-77 Emergency. He noted that although then-prime minister Indira Gandhi had imprisoned many leaders, she never abused them.

In a post on X, the RJD chief shared his article, “The Sangh Silence in 1975,” co-written with journalist Nalin Verma.

“I was the convener of the steering committee that Jayaprakash Narayan—had constituted to carry forward the movement against the excesses of Emergency imposed by the then PM Indira Gandhi. I was in jail under the Maintenance of Security Act (MISA) for over 15 months,” Lalu Prasad wrote in the post.

I was the convener of the steering committee that Jayaprakash Narayan—had constituted to carry forward the movement against the excesses of Emergency imposed by the then PM Indira Gandhi. I was in jail under the Maintenance of Security Act (MISA) for over 15 months. My colleagues… pic.twitter.com/9fyThckm01

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) June 29, 2024

He added: “My colleagues and I did not know many of the BJP ministers speaking about the Emergency today. We hadn’t heard of Modi, J P Nadda and some of the PM’s other ministerial colleagues who today lecture us on the value of freedom.”

The former Bihar CM also remarked that while Indira Gandhi imprisoned many Opposition leaders of that era, she never mistreated them.

“Indira Gandhi put many of us behind bars, but she never abused us. Neither she nor her ministers called us “anti-national” or “unpatriotic”. She never enabled vandals to defile the memory of Babasaheb Ambedkar—the architect of our Constitution. 1975 is a stain on our democracy, but let’s not forget who doesn’t respect the Opposition in 2024,” he added.

On June 25, 1975, former prime minister Indira Gandhi declared a 21-month state of emergency, which ended on March 21, 1977. In the following general elections, Indira Gandhi was ousted from power, and the Janata Party assumed office. Both Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi lost their seats in Raebareli and Amethi, respectively.

However, the coalition of various parties disintegrated in 1979, and the Congress regained power by winning 353 seats in the subsequent general elections. Indira Gandhi returned as prime minister and held the position until her assassination in 1984.

Historic Event: Indira Gandhi’s Expulsion from Congress: Unveiling the Party’s Internal Divide

June 27, 2024, 2:58 pm

After Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s death, Lal Bahadur Shastri assumed the role of Prime Minister, but his tenure was cut short to about eighteen months due to his untimely passing in Tashkent. Following this, the Congress party transferred the Prime Ministerial responsibilities to Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, who, at the time, faced challenges due to her relative youth and inexperience, leading senior Congress leaders to dominate decision-making over her.

On November 12, Indira Gandhi was expelled from the Congress party, marking a significant turning point. In 1966, she had ascended to Prime Minister while K. Kamaraj served as Congress President, succeeded the next year by S. Nijalingappa. Despite winning the 1967 general elections, Gandhi struggled to consolidate control over both the government and the party, facing opposition from senior leaders who considered removing her from office, including Nijalingappa.

Amidst these internal tensions, the sudden death of President Dr. Zakir Husain prompted Congress leaders to nominate Neelam Sanjiva Reddy for the presidency without consulting Indira Gandhi. In response, she aligned with V.V. Giri in the presidential race. Despite her efforts, Giri won the election, further straining relations between Gandhi and the Congress leadership.

The culmination came on November 12, 1969, when Indira Gandhi was ousted from the Congress party, leading her to form a new faction known as Congress (O). This division split the Congress party into two significant factions. Gandhi garnered significant support from members of parliament, solidifying her influence over both the government and the organization.

In subsequent years, Indira Gandhi continued to assert her leadership, serving as Prime Minister until 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

In Graphics: Timeline Of Events Related To The Emergency On Its 49th Anniversary

June 25, 2024, 4:25 pm

On this day, June 25, 49 years ago in 1975, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in India through an announcement on All India Radio. The Emergency lasted nearly two years, during which widespread arrests occurred, the press was heavily censored, and civil liberties were severely restricted for millions of Indian citizens. This 21-month period, known simply as the Emergency, is considered one of the darkest chapters in India’s political history.

Here is a timeline of events related to the Emergency on its 49th anniversary.

Emergency 49th anniversary

June 25, 1975: Indira Gandhi Declares Emergency, Marking India’s Darkest Day in History | Read More

June 25, 2024, 11:58 am

As today marks 50 years since the historic Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “black spot” on India’s democracy during the inaugural session of the new Lok Sabha on Monday.

PM Modi’s Address

During his address, PM Modi remarked, “The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, democracy was completely suppressed.”

He continued, “While protecting our Constitution, while protecting the democratic traditions, the countrymen will take a resolution that no one will dare to do such a thing in India again which was done 50 years ago. We will take a resolution of a vibrant democracy. We will take a resolution to fulfil the dreams of the common people as per the directions of the Constitution of India.”

Recalling the Emergency

Fifty years ago, on this day, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared, “The President has proclaimed the Emergency. This is nothing to panic about. I am sure you are all aware of the deep and widespread conspiracy, which has been brewing ever since I began to introduce certain progressive measures of benefit for the common man and woman in India” – as announced on All India Radio on June 25, 1975.

Reasons Behind the Declaration

The two-year-long Emergency, lasting from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, is considered the darkest period in independent India’s history and a significant turn in the evolution of the Indian National Congress.

Indira Gandhi, who became Prime Minister in January 1966, faced rising opposition after the Congress split in November 1969 due to her expulsion for party discipline violations. By 1974, demonstrations against her government had surged.

Indira Gandhi’s 1971 Lok Sabha election win from the Rae Bareli seat was challenged by socialist leader Raj Narain, alleging electoral malpractices and violations of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Allegations included her election agent being a government servant and misuse of government officials for her campaign. The Allahabad High Court found her guilty on June 12, 1975, disqualifying her from Parliament and imposing a six-year ban on holding elected office.

This verdict was a primary catalyst for the Emergency declaration, issued by President Fakhruddin Ali on June 25, 1975, under Article 352 of the Constitution, citing “internal disturbances.” This order canceled elections and granted the Prime Minister ultimate powers.

The Emergency’s Impact

During the Emergency, all fundamental rights were curtailed, political leaders imprisoned, and media censorship imposed. The government also banned trade union activities, strikes, and enforced fixed wages without bonuses.

Sanjay Gandhi, Indira’s son, launched a mass sterilization program and demolished slums for city ‘beautification’ without prior notice. Protests against these measures, notably led by Jayaprakash Narayanan, were widespread.

Post-Emergency Developments

On March 21, 1977, Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency and called for General Elections. The Congress party was defeated, and the Janata Party, led by Morarji Desai, won a majority with 298 seats in the Lok Sabha. Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister, and Indira Gandhi lost her Rae Bareli seat to Raj Narain by over 55,000 votes.

The newly elected Janata Party government in 1977 repealed the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), which had been used during the Emergency to detain people without charges.

LK Advani, the Information and Broadcasting Minister in the Janata Party government, criticized the media for supporting Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, stating, “When asked to bend, they were willing to crawl.”

PM Modi Criticizes Congress as India Marks 49 Years of Emergency

June 25, 2024, 11:36 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 49th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency with sharp criticism aimed at the Congress party, particularly lambasting their recent protest where they brandished copies of the Constitution.

Modi, in a social media post on platform X, emphasized the significance of remembering those who resisted the Emergency, describing it as a period when basic freedoms were severely undermined and the Indian Constitution was disregarded by the Congress.

Modi accused the Congress of hypocrisy, stating, “Those who imposed the Emergency have no right to profess their love for our Constitution.” He pointed out the Congress government’s actions during the Emergency, alleging suppression of dissenting voices and implementation of policies that were detrimental to the nation’s democratic fabric.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets "Today is a day to pay homage to all those great men and women who resisted the Emergency. The dark days of Emergency remind us of how the Congress Party subverted basic freedoms and trampled over the Constitution of India which every Indian… pic.twitter.com/00Ry0E4cAP

— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed Modi’s sentiments, denouncing the Emergency as a dark phase in Indian democracy characterized by the stifling of freedoms and constitutional violations. Chouhan expressed admiration for the brave individuals who stood against the Emergency regime.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the Congress, citing the 1975 Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He emphasized how the Emergency undermined democracy and suppressed voices defending constitutional values. Nadda praised those who bravely resisted the Emergency, affirming his party’s commitment to protecting democracy.

June 25, 1975- this is the day the Congress Party's politically driven decision to impose a state of emergency shook the very pillars of our democracy and tried to trample over the Constitution given by Dr. Ambedkar.

During this period, those who today claim to be guardians of…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 25, 2024

In response to Modi’s remarks, Congress leader P Chidambaram highlighted the Constitution’s role in preventing future emergencies and criticized the BJP’s current governance.

Hon'ble Prime Minister said that
'Emergency reminds us to protect the Constitution'. Very true

I may add, the Constitution reminded the people to prevent another Emergency, and they voted to curtail the ambitions of the BJP

The people voted for the 18th Lok Sabha in such a…

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 25, 2024

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also raised concerns over the “education emergency,” questioning Modi’s stance on issues affecting students.

PM Sir,

What about education emergency? Students are protesting the emergency imposed on their education and their future too, a word for them as well ?? https://t.co/cIu4rx7xXt

— Priyanka Chaturvedi?? (@priyankac19) June 25, 2024

During a recent Parliament session, MPs from the INDIA bloc staged protests holding copies of the Constitution, underscoring their commitment to upholding constitutional values. Rahul Gandhi, in a symbolic gesture, displayed the Constitution during PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony as an MP, signaling dissent and invoking the legacy of resistance against authoritarian measures.

What Was Emergency?

The Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in India from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, was a period marked by severe curtailment of civil liberties and political repression. Citing internal threats to stability and the need to maintain order, Gandhi suspended fundamental rights, imposed strict censorship on the press, and detained opposition leaders, activists, and journalists critical of her government under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). The judiciary faced pressure to align with governmental directives, compromising its independence. However, widespread public protests, international condemnation, and electoral backlash led to the lifting of the Emergency in 1977. The subsequent elections saw Gandhi’s Congress party defeated, signaling a return to democratic governance and the restoration of civil liberties. The Emergency remains a contentious chapter in India’s history, with debates continuing over its necessity, impact on democracy, and lessons for governance.

Reasons For Imposing Emergency: Indira Gandhi cited economic instability, political unrest, and threats to public order as reasons for imposing the Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution.

Kangna Ranaut Announces New Release Date For ‘Emergency’

June 25, 2024, 10:59 am

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has revealed the release date for her upcoming film ‘Emergency.’ Sharing the news on Instagram, Kangana unveiled a new poster featuring herself as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In the poster, she is seen looking away from the camera. The film is set to hit theaters on September 7 this year.

The caption of the post read, “The Beginning of the 50th Year of Independent India’s Darkest Chapter, Announcing #KanganaRanaut’s #Emergency In Cinemas on 6th September 2024. The Explosive Saga of The Most Controversial Episode of The History of Indian Democracy, #EmergencyOn6Sept in cinemas worldwide.”

The Beginning of the 50th Year of Independent India’s Darkest Chapter, Announcing #KanganaRanaut’s #Emergency In Cinemas on 6th September 2024.
The Explosive Saga of The Most Controversial Episode of The History of Indian Democracy,#EmergencyOn6Sept in cinemas worldwide.… pic.twitter.com/6Ufc9Ba7jw

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) June 25, 2024

Multiple Delays

Last month, the film’s release date was postponed due to the Lok Sabha Elections. Kangana, who serves as the lead actor, writer, director, and producer of “Emergency,” is working with Manikarnika Films Production on the political drama. Initially set for a November 24, 2023 release, the film has faced several delays.

About the Film

“Emergency” is described as a pivotal moment in India’s political history. The film features Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. Produced by Zee Studios, Renu Pitti, and Kangana, the screenplay and dialogues are by Ritesh Shah, with music by Sanchit Balhara.

Kangana on Directing and Starring in ‘Emergency’

Previously, Kangana expressed her thoughts on the film. She told ANI, “Emergency is one of the most significant and darkest chapters in our history that young India needs to know. It is a crucial story and I want to thank my super-talented actors like late Satish ji, Anupam ji, Shreyas, Mahima, and Milind for embarking on this creative journey together. I am excited to bring this extraordinary episode from India’s history to the big screen. Jaihind!”

Sanjay and Rukhsana—’Ice-cream buddies’

June 25, 2024, 4:44 am

Maneka Gandhi defended her husband stoutly even after she left mother-in-law and then prime minister Indira Gandhi’s house and joined the right-wing BJP. According to her, the Emergency brought about order and discipline in the country. ‘There were no power failures, no strikes or lockouts, citizens went about without the fear of being mugged, robbed or raped, everything was available at reasonable prices, the slums had been cleared, the stench of open sewers abolished and, instead, clean, wholesome and cheap housing complexes raised in the suburbs, the arid desert of sand and rock turned into lush green, parks and woodland. These were only some of things that Sanjay did for his city.’

To Maneka, Sanjay had always been a caring husband. If she was feeling under the weather, Sanjay would skip Parliament to be with her. Barely three months before his untimely death, when their son Varun Feroze was to be born, Sanjay accompanied her to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and stayed by her side through the birth.
‘The AIIMS doctors later told me that he was the first man to come into the delivery room while his wife was having a baby,’ Maneka said. (Gandhi, Maneka, Sanjay Gandhi, Vakil, Feffers and Simons Ltd., Mumbai, 1980.)

In public, too, Sanjay’s image was somewhat different. Once Maneka had gone to Willingdon Hospital (now known as Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital), having just got her driving licence. While she was parking her car, she brushed it against another, scratching its paint. Instead of leaving the premises quietly, Maneka decided to wait for the owner. The damaged car belonged to an old man, who gave Maneka a lecture about driving carefully and the monetary damage that she had caused. Maneka readily offered to pay the necessary compensation, but she was not carrying much money on her, so she wrote her address and gave it to him, asking him to send the bill home to her. When the old man saw her address, he said, ‘Are you the wife of Sanjay Gandhi? Then I will not charge you anything.’ (Moraes, Dom, Mrs. Gandhi, Jonathan Cape, London, 1980.)

Columnist Kumkum Chadha, who covered Sanjay Gandhi during and after the Emergency, recalled how once, after giving a controversial interview in which he criticized the judiciary, Sanjay called her the next day to check if she was in any trouble or needed legal help. Sanjay even sent R.K. Anand, then an upcoming lawyer who later became a Congress MP, to her house to tell her that he was only a phone call away.

Congressmen, who worked closely with Sanjay praise him even today. Gufran-e-Azam, who served as an influential Youth Congress leader of that time, recalls that Sanjay was a ‘party animal’ in the sense that he had few interests outside politics. ‘We could go on chatting, discussing individuals and party affairs for hours,’ Gufran said, pointing out that the ‘cream’ of young leadership that emerged during Sanjay’s time continues to call the shots in the party even now. ‘Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Ambika Soni, Kamal Nath, Gundu Rao, Ashok Gehlot, Digvijay Singh, Jagdish Tytler, Vayalar Ravi and Veer Bahadur Singh are some of the names who were schooled under him.’ Gufran said that on numerous occasions, Sanjay would challenge his choice of party nominees and even block level functionaries. ‘In any argument, his favourite phrase was “convince me”. We were all encouraged to air our views openly and frankly at party forums. It was the old guard that was wary of Sanjay,’ claimed Gufran.

Sanjay made a concerted bid to change the way politics was pursued. Sanjay questioned and troubled the established party leadership and created a parallel order in virtually every state. Even those fiercely loyal to Indira were not spared. Sanjay’s view was that unless the ‘comfort zone’ of these leaders was shaken up, the party would not excel. He experimented with new caste equations. The Nehruvian–Gandhian principles of probity in public life, simplicity, and a thrust on values were given the go-by. Indira watched with detached bemusement and a tinge of sadness, but she made little effort to check Sanjay’s style of functioning.

Sanjay’s close associate and socialite Rukhsana Sultana was one person, who managed to annoy everyone from Maneka and Ambika to many of the Congress leaders. Rukhsana was an exotic character, an unabashed exhibitionist, who acted as Sanjay’s point person in Delhi’s Muslim localities. As Youth Congress president, Ambika often shared the platform with Sanjay and heaped praise on him. Rukhsana, too, never missed an opportunity to insist that Sanjay and she were ‘ice-cream buddies’, whatever that meant.

A niece of actress Begum Para and a pin-up girl of the 1950s, Rukhsana had been married to a Sikh, but her marriage did not last long. She had a boutique in Connaught Circus, from where she retailed high-end diamond jewellery on a commission basis. One day, Rukhsana was thrilled to see the prime minister’s son visit her boutique. The lady apparently had the Madame du Barry bug. When they met next, she told Sanjay that she felt highly motivated and inspired by his leadership qualities and offered to dedicate her life to his ‘cause’.

Rukhsana’s ascent was intensely disliked by Maneka, Indira, Ambika and several others, but Sanjay kept pushing her to work in the slums and in the Jama Masjid area, which is dominated by Muslims. Indira was once heard saying, ‘She (Rukhsana) is a very scatterbrained sort of person.’ Maneka said Rukhsana talked a lot of rubbish.

In the Jama Masjid area, the sight of Rukhsana, perfumed, painted and bejewelled to within an inch of her life, wearing pink spectacles, a silk sari and a low-cut choli, was a complete put-off for both men and women. But Rukhsana was not bothered by their reaction. She said her jewellery was part of her personality. ‘Why should I discard my real personality?’ she asked. More often than not, Rukhsana was seen moving about the Jama Masjid area with a handkerchief soaked in eau de cologne over her nose under her famous oversized ‘go-go’ shades. At one point, Rukhsana was allegedly paid a sum of eighty-four thousand rupees by the Union health and family welfare ministry for ‘motivating’ eight thousand men to opt for vasectomies. In June 1976, when she was supervising the demolition of many shops in the Turkaman Gate area of the walled part of Delhi, protesters faced police lathis, teargas, batons and, finally, bullets. Several people were killed.

Rukhsana is mother of Amrita Singh, who was a leading Bollywood actress in the 1980s. Rukhsana is grandmother to Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan, the children of Amrita, and former mother-in-law to Amrita’s former husband, Saif Ali Khan.

Rukhsana also had an old connection with Bollywood as she was actually born as Meenu Bimbet to Zarina Sultana (sister of film actress, Begum Para) and Mohan Bimbet. She is connected through birth and marriage to a number of well-known personalities in Indian films and media. Rukhsana married Shivinder Singh Virk, an officer in the Indian Army. They later divorced.

BJP MP Suresh Gopi Sparks Outrage, Clarifies Indira Gandhi Remark

June 16, 2024, 5:02 pm

In a surprising move, Union Minister Suresh Gopi called former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the “mother of India.” This caused a big stir. However, on Sunday, the Minister of state for Tourism and BJP MP from Kerala, justified his remarks saying that what he meant was that Indira Gandhi is the “mother of the Congress party,” not the entire country.

Gopi said, “For Congress, whether people like it or not, K Karunakaran is the father of the party in Kerala. In India, Indira Gandhi is the mother. I said this from my heart.” He praised the former PM for her work post-independence until her death.

Praise for Indira Gandhi

The BJP leader further continued to praise Indira Gandhi, calling her the “real architect of India post-independence.” He said he cannot forget her contributions, even if she belonged to a rival party.

What did Gopi actually say?

On Saturday, Gopi visited the memorial of K Karunakaran in Thrissur. There, he described Indira Gandhi as the “mother of India” and Karunakaran as a “courageous administrator.”

In addition, Gopi clarified that calling Karunakaran the “father of Congress in Kerala” did not disrespect the founders of Congress in the state. He also mentioned that he considers Karunakaran and Marxist leader E K Nayanar as his “political gurus.”

Recently, Gopi won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat. This win was significant because it marked the BJP’s first electoral victory in Kerala. He defeated the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate, VS Sunilkumar, by nearly 75,000 votes.

Suresh Gopi Refers To Indira Gandhi As ‘Mother Of India’

June 16, 2024, 2:58 pm

Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP’s inaugural Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, has referred to Indira Gandhi as the ‘mother of India’, according to reports. The actor-turned-politician also praised the late former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran as a ‘courageous administrator’, as per PTI.

Following his visit to the memorial ‘Murali Mandiram’ in Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, BJP’s MP from Kerala, referred to late former CMs K Karunakaran and EK Nayanar as his ‘political gurus’. Gopi won the Thrissur constituency by a significant margin of nearly 75,000 votes against CPI(M) candidate VS Sunilkumar, with Karunakaran’s son K Muraleedharan finishing third in the contest. Emphasizing that his remarks should not be politicized, Gopi stated that he visited the memorial to pay respects to his mentors, as reported by PTI. He also mentioned having personal connections with Karunakaran and his wife, Kalyanikutty Amma, akin to his relationship with EK Nayanar and Sarada Teacher.

Suresh Gopi Hails Indira Gandhi As ‘Mother of India’

Gopi, serving as the Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum, referred to India’s first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, as ‘Bharathathinte mathavu (mother of India)’, and labeled Karunakaran as the “father of the Congress party in the state”.

Gopi clarified that honoring Karunakaran with such a title was not meant to disrespect the founders or co-founders of the Congress in Kerala. He continued to praise Karunakaran, describing the late Congress leader as a “courageous administrator” of his era.

Following his swearing-in as a minister in the Narendra Modi government, there were speculations that Gopi might resign from his position. However, he categorically dismissed media reports suggesting that he was contemplating an ‘exit’ from the Narendra Modi-led government as ‘grossly incorrect’.

“A few media platforms are spreading the incorrect news that I am going to resign from the Council of Ministers of the Modi Government. This is grossly incorrect. It is a matter of pride for me to be in the Council of Ministers of the Modi Government and to represent the people of Kerala,” mentioned Gopi in a social media post.

Watch: India’s Longest Serving Prime Ministers Since Independence

June 5, 2024, 6:11 pm

With the NDA securing 293 seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for a historic third term, joining the ranks of India’s longest-serving prime ministers. Modi is now one of the few leaders to serve over a decade.

Here’s a closer look at India’s longest tenures in office:

Jawaharlal Nehru

Party: Congress
Tenure: 1947-1964
Duration: 16 years, 286 days Nehru, India’s first prime minister, led the nation from independence until his death. He initiated major developmental projects and maintained a non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War, shaping India’s secular and socialist path.

Indira Gandhi

Party: Congress
Tenure: 1966-1977, 1980-1984
Duration: 15 years, 350 days India’s first female PM, Indira Gandhi, made bold and often divisive decisions, including the Green Revolution, Emergency, and nationalization of banks. Her leadership during the 1971 war led to the creation of Bangladesh. Her tenure ended tragically with her assassination in 1984.

Narendra Modi

Party: BJP
Tenure: 2014-Present
Duration: 10 years, 19 days (and counting) Modi has implemented ambitious projects like digitalization and economic reforms. His leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on national pride and Hindu nationalism. Despite needing alliance support, his recent victory marks a rare third term.

Manmohan Singh

Party: Congress
Tenure: 2004-2014
Duration: 10 years, four days A renowned economist, Singh is credited with significant economic reforms and infrastructure development. His cool-headed leadership style, though later criticized for policy stagnation, left a lasting impact on India’s growth.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Party: BJP
Tenure: 1996, 1998-2004
Duration: Six years, 80 days Vajpayee’s tenure is noted for the Pokharan nuclear tests and major infrastructure projects like the Golden Quadrilateral. His balanced approach combined social initiatives with economic success, and he worked towards improving relations with Pakistan.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 The recent election, held amid intense heat, saw over 66% voter turnout. Despite pre-poll predictions, the BJP-led NDA required alliance support to secure a majority. Modi’s victory speech emphasized continued commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people. His third term will rely on strong alliances with leaders like N. Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar.

As Modi prepares for another term, his leadership style and policies will continue to shape India’s political and economic landscape, cementing his place among India’s longest-serving and most influential prime ministers.

Rajnath Singh: BJP Stands Firm On Constitution And Reservation

May 26, 2024, 12:29 pm

Union Minister Rajnath Singh, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, assured that the BJP has no intention of altering the Preamble of the Indian Constitution or discontinuing reservation policies. Singh emphasized that while the Congress has made changes to the Preamble in 1976, the BJP has no such plans and is being unfairly targeted.

Singh recalled the amendment made to the Preamble during Indira Gandhi’s tenure in 1976, highlighting the consensus within the constituent assembly regarding the possibility of constitutional amendments. He stressed that while amendments have been made in the past, the BJP does not entertain the idea of altering the Preamble.

Singh’s comments come in response to allegations by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who suggested that the BJP would disregard the Constitution if re-elected. Concerns were also raised by some Congress members about the potential removal of “secularism” from the Preamble.

The Defence Minister reiterated the BJP’s commitment to reservation policies, particularly for OBCs and STs, dismissing claims of discontinuation. He clarified that while the Opposition discusses religion-based reservation, the BJP firmly opposes such measures, citing constitutional constraints.

With the Lok Sabha elections underway, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is seeking a third consecutive term. Voting for six of the seven phases has concluded, with results slated for announcement on June 4 after the final round of voting on June 1.

Rajnath Singh: “Indira Gandhi Imposed Emergency, Choked Democracy”

May 22, 2024, 2:04 pm

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed the Congress, reminding them of how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi choked democracy by imposing an emergency in the country.

His comments came amid allegations by the Congress that if PM Modi-led BJP gets 400 seats after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, “democracy would be in danger.”
Addressing a public meeting in Haryana’s Karnal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “…They (the Congress) say if Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets more than 400 seats, it will put democracy in danger; he will become a dictator. But when Indira Gandhi lost her election before 1975, morally she should’ve resigned as a PM but she imposed the emergency and choked democracy…”

“Lakhs of people were put behind bars. At the age of 24, I was also jailed for two and a half months. Whoever wants to verify it, can do it. They (Congress) choked the democracy. My mother died due to shock when it was declared that the emergency had been extended by one year,” Rajnath Singh added.

On May 25, a single phase of the Lok Sabha elections for Haryana’s ten parliamentary constituencies will take place.

The BJP won every poll in Haryana during the 2019 state Lok Sabha elections, taking all ten seats. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) gained two seats and the Congress won one seat in the 2014 elections, leaving the BJP with seven seats.
Polling took place in its first five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.

The following two voting rounds are scheduled for June 1 and May 25. Seven stages will comprise the six-week-long 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which will take place between April 19 and June 1. On June 4, the results and counting will be made public.

Historically Speaking: Famous Indira Gandhi Slogan ‘Gareebi Hatao’ Coined By This Man

May 14, 2024, 10:36 pm

In an interview with ‘Historically Speaking’, senior journalist Pankaj Vohra revealed an interesting anecdote to Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma about how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi needed somebody to coin a slogan.

The slogan ‘Wo Kehte Hai Indira Hatao Mein Kehti Hu Garibi Hatao’ was given by the former PM but was coined by a lecturer from Delhi University in Delhi College.

Vohra said, “Indira Ji needed somebody to coin, there used to be this time, lecturer in Delhi University in Delhi College. His name was Ashok Chatterjee. He later became Metropolitan council member from Goal Market. Ashok Chatterjee coined the slogan – ‘Wo Kehte Hai Indira Hatao Mein Kehti Hu Gareebi Hatao’. So, that slogan of ‘Gareebi Hatao’ came into existence. It was a slogan given by Indira Gandhi but which was coined by Ashok Chatterjee. Very few people know.”

Why political parties that rely on caste mobilisation fail

May 13, 2024, 4:04 am

Changing public aspirations and developmental desire of the people are key factors

There is a dominant view among public, politicians, academicians and media that Indian election is all about managing the caste. This political management of caste is being named as social engineering in contemporary discourse.

This is election time in the country. These days terms like caste equations and social engineering are frequently being used during discussions on election. But these terms are mostly used by journalist, academics and political class. The people at the grass root hardly use such terms in their everyday use while discussing politics and elections. Most of the people either talk abut Neta(leaders), political parties or about the welfare schemes.

The caste is half truth either in social life or in politics. It works more as perceptions than reality. When I am submitting it’s more perception’ than reality, I want to say that caste may or may not work as main influential factor in many cases during elections. The popularity of the leaders, success of programmes and policies which work for broader public, dilute rigidity of caste during elections many times.

The popularity as a term and process itself use to minimise any kind of rigid caste or community identity. The very popular leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi emerge through making caste irrelevant in politics. They emerge leaders of large section of society, beyond the caste and community. Leaders like Nehru who belonged from Kashmiri brahmin family, in fact a minority, PM Modi who belongs from a family of Gujarati non dominant other backward caste, emerged as iconic leader and largely accepted by people of various castes, communities and regions.

It is interesting to observe that caste sustains in society and politics not through its rigidity but its flexibility. Due to its social flexibility, caste in politics and especially during elections forms alliance with other caste very easily and comfortably on many occasions.

Since election in democracy is determined by numbers, so every caste asserts its numerical power and includes its sub-castes to whom they use to keep distance in the social life. So, politics of democracy in one way keep promoting flexibility and dilute various kinds of caste-based rigidity while forming and reforming electoral groups during elections.

These realignment among caste and social groups in politics and election slowly evolves bhayichara among various caste groups based on political requirements and readjustment. But also, in this process, some dominant caste groups emerge as dominant by including small sub-castes of their own’ caste family’.

In this process, slowly these small subcastes also acquire political visibility and democratic value. Around two decades ago, when we use to go to the field, we use to hear various sub-castes of yadavas, but now its rare to listen such sub-caste based division while discussing politics in rural hamlets of North India.

To assert numbers, the leading section of these communities included their own sub-castes politically and that produced a political homogenisation of various sub castes of respective dominant castes. This process earlier started among upper castes and slowly transmitted to the dominant OBC communities.

Like Yadava, this process also started among the communities like Kurmi, Kushwaha, Nishad, etc. in Northern part of India. But interestingly in initial phases of such homogenisation, the share in political representation largely remained centralised among numerically dominant sub castes of the respective caste. Slowly it trickled down to the smaller subcastes also.

The caste who gets socio-economic mobility, consequently, acquires capacity to aspire for their share in political power undergoes through the process of political homogenisation because that caste or social group need to claim for higher numerical strength. To increase its number, the caste includes its subcastes, who were differentiated on certain historical juncture- based on various occupation. The claim of various castes in many parts of India about their numbers today which we listen in deliberations of the leaders in these castes or social groups are basically emerged from this democracy produced phenomenon of political homogenisation. Most of these numbers of castes and communities which we hear have no concrete factual basis, they are also evolved either on assumption-based calculation or perceptional counting. Since we don’t have caste-based census in India, that is why these calculations contains huge speculative elements.

In the planning and management of parliamentary election 2024 these caste calculations play crucial role. These numbers and calculations have influenced the ticket distributions of various political parties in big way. The Congress and I.N.D.I. alliance have made caste as central discourse in this election, but they miss the fact that caste is half reality of Indian politics. Half-truth in both ways –in terms of its structure as well as functions.
That is why political forces who rely heavily on caste mobilisation in politics, most of the time fail in getting favourable results in politics of elections. The caste combining with other factors such as changing public aspirations and developmental desire of the people may help in effective mobilisation in democratic electoral politics in India.

Sarabjit Singh, Indira Gandhi assassin’s son to contest in LS polls from Punjab’s Faridkot

April 13, 2024, 3:34 pm

Sarabjit Singh, the son of one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Faridkot, Punjab.

The 45-year-old Singh stated that he was encouraged by many residents of Faridkot to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming polls.

Singh’s father, Beant Singh, was involved in the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 along with Satwant Singh. Beant was killed immediately by security guards, while Satwant was later sentenced to death and executed.

Sarabjit, a resident of Mohali, did not complete his graduation despite enrolling in Chandigarh’s Khalsa College. He previously contested in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Bathinda but was unsuccessful, receiving 1.13 lakh votes. Similarly, in the 2007 Punjab assembly polls from Barnala’s Bhadaur seat, he only managed to garner 15,702 votes.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Sarabjit contested from Fatehgarh Sahib but was unsuccessful. His declared assets at that time were worth ₹3.5 crore. He also contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections representing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) but was unsuccessful.

Sarabjit’s mother, Bimal Kaur, was elected as an MP from the Ropar seat in 1989, and his grandfather won from Bathinda in the same year.

The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab are scheduled for June 1, with counting on June 4. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated actor Karamjit Anmol as their candidate for the Faridkot seat, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fielding singer Hans Raj Hans. Currently, the seat is held by Congress MP Mohammad Sadique.

Kangana Ranaut’s Film “Emergency” on Indira Gandhi Sets Release Date

January 23, 2024, 2:53 pm

Kangana Ranaut’s ambitious project, “Emergency,” which she has written, directed, and produced, is scheduled to be released on June 14, 2024. This grand period drama explores one of the most controversial periods in post-Independence Indian history, from 1975 to 1977, when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a nationwide state of emergency, leading to curtailed civil liberties and press freedom, as well as canceled elections.

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As reported by the news agency PTI, Kangana Ranaut stated, “‘Emergency’ is my most ambitious project and second directorial post-‘Manikarnika.’ We have the best of Indian and international talent coming together for this big-budget, grand period drama.” Initially planned for release on November 24, 2023, the film’s new release date is June 14, 2024.

The cast includes Kangana Ranaut portraying Indira Gandhi, alongside Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The film aims to unravel the story behind India’s darkest hour and present Indira Gandhi as the most feared and fiercest Prime Minister. Audiences are invited to witness history come alive in cinemas on June 14, 2024.