Sonia Gandhi Regrets Indira Gandhi’s Emergency Rule!

Article by Kumar Published on: 10:55 pm, 7 November 2026

Congress leader and former UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is undoubtedly one of the most influential persons in Indian politics. She may not have assumed the posts like Prime Minister, but she calls the shots of the Grand Old Congress party.

Sonia has now made sensational comments over her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi’s emergency rule in 1975-1977. Imposed by then PM Indira Gandhi, and the Emergency carried until March 21, 1977. It remains one of the most controversial periods in India’s political history.

Speaking to a British newspaper ahead of the release of her autobiography, Sonia Gandhi shared some interesting details about the events leading to the Emergency and the differences within the Gandhi family over the decision.

Sonia said that several members of the Gandhi family had opposed the move, including her husband, Rajiv Gandhi. Rajiv reportedly advised his mother to wait until the next elections instead of imposing the Emergency.

However, Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s younger son, strongly pushed for action against the Opposition. During a family dinner, he reportedly argued that the Opposition wanted to destroy his mother and that they needed to be controlled.

Sonia Gandhi said Rajiv Gandhi tried to question his mother’s decision, but Indira was not willing to listen. She believes that keeping Sanjay Gandhi under control could have prevented much of the damage that followed the Emergency.

Sonia also said she considers Indira Gandhi a democrat, although she understands that many people may disagree with this view. She added that Indira was uncomfortable during the Emergency and that the burden of the decision weighed heavily on her.

In another interview with The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi said Indira Gandhi faced pressure not only from Sanjay Gandhi but also from senior leaders within the Congress party.

Sonia said she observed that very few people around Indira Gandhi were willing to offer a different perspective, unlike Rajiv Gandhi. Over time, Indira herself understood the situation and tried to correct things.

Sonia Gandhi also said she realised the seriousness of the situation only after the Emergency was imposed. During this period, democratic rights were restricted and habeas corpus was suspended. However, Sonia pointed out that these measures were carried out within the constitutional framework.