Inside the Power Struggles: P N Dhar's Insight on the Emergency

P N Dhar, who served as Indira Gandhi's principal secretary during the tumultuous Emergency period, offers a compelling insider's view in his book 'Indira Gandhi, the Emergency, and Indian Democracy.' Dhar paints a vivid picture of the era, focusing on Sanjay Gandhi's rising influence and the erosion of democratic processes.

He describes how the Prime Minister's Home became a hub of 'extra-constitutional' activities, overshadowing the official Prime Minister's Secretariat. Dhar criticizes the concentration of power, highlighting Morarji Desai's efforts to reduce this by renaming the office to the Prime Minister's Office.

The book reveals tensions within the Congress party, exacerbated by Sanjay Gandhi's ascendancy and the plans to form a constituent assembly for constitutional changes. Dhar's account uncovers the emotional and political strain faced by Indira Gandhi, leading to the decision to lift the Emergency and call for elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)