Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reflects on 50 Years Since Emergency Declaration

Chouhan Remembers His Experience During the Emergency

On Wednesday, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recounted his own experiences, revealing that he was imprisoned at the age of 16 during that tumultuous period. The former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who has held the position four times, shared his memories of the violence in Bhopal, where many lost their lives and thousands were detained.

Speaking to the media, Chouhan stated, 'The Constitution was trampled upon. The entire nation turned into a massive prison, all to protect Indira Gandhi's position as Prime Minister.'

Chouhan reminisced about being a teenager in school when the Emergency was declared in 1975, living in a rented home in Bhopal. He recalled protests against rising prices in the city, which led to the Congress government ordering gunfire that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. This event prompted him to join the JP (Jayaprakash) movement.

He also mentioned his active involvement in distributing pamphlets against the Emergency, which ultimately led the police to his location. 'The police knocked on my door at 11 PM while I was studying. They asked if I was Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to which I affirmed,' he said.

Chouhan described the police's aggressive actions, including slapping and dragging him, as they took him into custody and beat him. He faced pressure to disclose the names of those who had provided him with pamphlets, but he steadfastly refused.