Nadda Demands Rahul Gandhi Apologise for Emergency, Calls It 'Anti-Constitution'

Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday (June 25, 2025) said that Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the people of India for the actions of his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, during the Emergency of 1975-77. Nadda made the remark while addressing the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) programme organised by the Bihar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Patna, marking the 51st anniversary of the declaration of Emergency.

Nadda described the Emergency as 'the darkest chapter' in Indian democracy, alleging that the Congress government under Indira Gandhi stifled democracy, the Constitution, the judiciary, press freedom, and citizens' rights. 'Even the British did not resort to as many brutal tactics against the public as Indira Gandhi did during the Emergency,' he claimed. He also referred to forced sterilisation drives, citing data that around 1.1 crore people were sterilised during that period, with about 80 lakh in 1975 and 1976 alone.

The Union Minister further accused the Congress of bringing the 42nd Constitutional Amendment and extending the term of elected representatives from five to six years during the Emergency. He alleged that 'Indira Gandhi’s grandchildren roam around carrying the Constitution book, yet they don’t even know a single provision.' Nadda added, 'Before picking up the Constitution book, Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the people of the country for his grandmother’s anti-Constitution actions.'

The event, held on the 51st anniversary of the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, also felicitated 'J.P. Senani' — individuals who participated in the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan against the Emergency. Several BJP leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, and MP Radha Mohan Singh, attended the programme.

Nadda also criticised the opposition INDI alliance, alleging that its activities are not aimed at strengthening the nation but rather align with what he called an 'anti-national agenda.' He recalled incidents from the Emergency period, such as the arrest of students shortly after Jayaprakash Narayan visited Patna University, and claimed that college campuses had turned into 'cantonments.' He also mentioned the ban imposed on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the Emergency.