Shashi Tharoor’s Controversial Article on Emergency: Why is Congress in Kerala Reacting

People who have been keeping up with political news of Kerala by reading the daily newspapers and updates, they would have noticed the news about some uproar made by Congress fighter Shashi Tharoor in his latest article on the Emergency era. This article by Shashi Tharoor has not only found a space in drawing rooms and WhatsApp groups but has also put the Congress party in Kerala in a tight spot. 

What Has Tharoor Written?

Shashi Tharoor, a well-known MP of Thiruvananthapuram wrote an article in the Malayalam daily Deepika, a keenly worded editorial, bringing memories of the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the period 1975-1977. 

Tharoor did not hesitate at all and called the Emergency a “dark period” in India’s democracy and highlighted the suspension of basic rights, the curbing of the press and human rights violation among others. He actually went to the extent of saying that it was Indira Gandhi who was responsible for taking such harsh actions and her son Sanjay Gandhi who had committed “terrible atrocities” such as forced sterilisation drives and brutal suppression of which rural localities witnessed a lot. 

What is the Emergency in India? 

The emergency (India) was a period of 21 months from 1975 to 1977. This was the time when Indira Gandhi declared the state of emergency in India due to the internal and external threats. During this time, civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and thousands of political opponents were jailed, making it one of the most controversial chapters in Indian democracy. 

This action, which was declared by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed using Article 352 of the Constitution, granted the government extraordinary powers. More than 100,000 political dissidents, journalists, and critics were imprisoned and a great deal of basic rights were suspended. The Emergency can be recalled with cruel acts, one such is the forced sterilisation drive headed by Sanjay Gandhi and the destruction of slums. 

This move was made when the Allahabad High Court had declared the election of Indira Gandhi to be invalid and as a result there was political instability and increased resistance. It was in March 1977 when the Emergency was lifted and the democratic process thereafter normalized although that has been one of the most controversial and debatable events in the democratic history of India.

Why Is the Emergency Article a Big Deal by Congress?

Emergency remains a sore spot when it comes to the Congress party particularly given the fact that it came after their own leader Indira Gandhi imposed the situation. The party has in the years attempted to forget this chapter but it has been used against them by their political opponents particularly the BJP. The article by Tharoor, a top Congress leader has embarrassed the Kerala branch of the party. Opposing such open deflections argument, many in the party believe it supplies its opposition more ammunition and undermines the party itself.

What Were the Reactions of Congress Leaders?

Kerala Congress leaders have been swift to disassociate themselves with the thoughts of Tharoor. He has received open criticism by some and others have tried to be quiet in the hope that the controversy would die down. It has definitely placed the core leadership of the party in a fix yet they have not so far acted at disciplinary level in the matter. The impression is that the statements made by Tharoor are bound to widen the current cracks in the party as he has on earlier occasions questioned the party leadership and even participated in a party presidential race.

What is Tharoor's argument?

• Violation of Rights: Tharoor discussed the way the Emergency suspended the rights so that the press stopped working.
• Atrocities and Cruelty: He pointed at the forced sterilisation campaigns by Sanjay Gandhi and destruction of slums which rendered thousands of people homeless.
• Lessons that can be learnt today: Tharoor recalled how the Emergency must not only be recalled as a black mark, but it also should be a lesson that all democracies must be cautious and safeguard civil liberties.
• Effect on Congress: Raising such issues, Tharoor has compelled the Congress to face the past even when it attempts to present itself in the present day to be a harbinger of democracy.

Why is this Significant?

The timing of the article matters significantly. The 50th anniversary of the Emergency is being celebrated, political parties are cashing in on it to create the views of people accordingly. BJP observes June 25 as the day of Samvidhan Hatya (Constitution Murder) to remind its citizens of the role of Congress in Emergency. The article by Tharoor, although fair and introspective has ended up playing to the tune of BJP and caused new sleepless nights in his party as well.

What Happens with Tharoor and Congress?

At this point, the Congress leadership can only seem to be hoping that the controversy will pass away on its own. Tharoor, a man with his own opinions, remains popular among the general public in Kerala, despite the fact that some leaders in his party feel dissatisfied with him. It is still unclear whether this episode will have any grandiose changes in the party. However, one aspect is clear: the article by Tharoor has put back on the table a debate over the Emergency and made Congress reconsider its past once again.

To sum up, the Congress in Kerala has been caught in a quandary because of the bold approach to the Emergency put forward by Shashi Tharoor. The party is backpedalling in a bid to contain the repercussions, though the article is important in raising some discussions on democracy, accountability, and also the history. To the readers and the voters, it is a reminder that no issue discussed in politics is never just about the past but about the future as well.