Naguesh Bhatcar: Indira Gandhi was left with no choice. She had violated the constitution to stay in power and was under pressure from the entire world.
Response: It is incorrect to say that Indira Gandhi violated the constitution. In fact the Supreme Court upheld the imposition of emergency. There are instances all over the world where dictators after usurping absolute power have refused to let go. Indira Gandhi, to the best of my knowledge, was under no pressure or compulsion from foreign sources although her actions met with general disapproval from the democratic world. It was basically internal compulsions caused by excesses like mass sterialisation, demolition of houses, stifling of dissent, imprisonment of those opposed to her, curbs on freedom of speech etc. which forced her to hold elections. I do agree with you that it was a good thing that she, Sanjay Gandhi as well as the Congress Party lost the elections. It brought them back down to earth and realise the power of the people. Naguesh Bhatcar: And please remember that Sonia and Maneka Gandhi were then the dear daughters-in-law ofIndira Gandhi! Respomse: Regarding Sonia and Maneka, it is common knowledge that Sonia was never into politics at that time. However, Maneka was very active and edited a magazine called Surya which ran articles and stories which would make many an opposition leaders's ears burn. Maneka fully supported her husband Sanjay Gandhi in all his activities. Rather than Indira, it was Sanjay Gandhi who was more hated by the people for his brash ways. Today Maneka and Varun are leading lights of the BJP. Varun even evoked admiration and applause for his hate speech in Pilibhit from the sangh parivar. That it backfired in retrospection, is another matter. Regards, Marshall