It is with a sign of relief that the people of India heard the announcement on 27th March 1977, that the draconian Emergency which was imposed on the country by the Congress Government led by Indira Gandhi was withdrawn. For 21 months since 25th June 1975, the people have been living as in a subjugated country. There was no freedom of speech, leaders, including MPs of all other political parties, except that of Congress, were arrested and put in jail. The Press was censured and without the approval of the officer appointed for the purpose, no news could be published. All kinds of protests and agitations were suppressed with an iron hand. Many trade union leaders, including that of P and T, were imprisoned. It was terror let loose.

In the 1977 General Elections that followed, the Congress party was decimated. In UP, where Indira Gandhi Prime Minister contested, the Congress could not get even a single seat.  The people gave a suitable reply to those who imposed the Emergency on the people.

The people of India will never allow any  repeat of such draconian orders.