Reflecting on the 1975 Emergency: A Call for Apology

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has urged the Congress party to apologize for implementing the 1975 Emergency, describing the measure as 'draconian' due to its infringement on civil liberties.

In an interview with PTI, Naidu, who was a student leader at the time, recounted spending over 17 months in jail for opposing the government. He emphasized the need for Congress to publicly express regret as the 50th anniversary of the Emergency approaches.

Naidu highlighted the severity of the media crackdown and his own arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act while recalling efforts to evade capture during the Emergency's initial months. He also reflected on the less stringent enforcement in southern states compared to North India.

(With inputs from agencies.)