On October 31, 2024, India will commemorate the 40th death anniversary of Indira Gandhi, one of the country's most influential yet controversial leaders. As India's first female Prime Minister, her leadership had a lasting impact on the country. However, her rule has been tarnished by problematic events such as the Emergency (1975-1977) and the anti-Sikh riots that followed her killing in 1984. These incidents not only transformed India's political scene but also her legacy, resulting in a complicated picture that continues to generate controversy.

Indira Gandhi Death Anniversary 2024: The Emergency Period

One of the most defining phases of Indira Gandhi's tenure was the Emergency, which was announced on June 25, 1975 and lasted 21 months. This time permitted her to rule by decree, circumventing the democratic process in the name of ensuring national security and stability. The immediate cause was a court decision that found her guilty of electoral misconduct, jeopardising her position as Prime Minister. In response, she declared an emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, suspending elections and limiting civil freedoms.