When Truth Became a Crime: Memories from the Emergency

On June 25, 1975, a dreadful day arrived in the history of Indian democracy when a state of Emergency was declared in the country. It was a time when the Constitution fell silent, democracy lay wounded, and speaking the truth became a crime. Like millions of other patriots, we too were among those who raised their voices against this dictatorship.

Both my revered father and I were vigilant sentinels of democracy. We resisted the oppression not only with our words but also with our actions. But the government of that time could not tolerate such defiance. One night, the police suddenly came to our home and took us into custody without any warrant or explanation. The most painful moment came when we were deliberately sent to different jails—as if the government feared the strength of our unity.

Every night behind those prison bars was filled with solitude, but there was a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that we were standing up against injustice. I constantly worried about my father, yet his courage and ideals continued to strengthen my own resolve.

The Emergency tried to break our family, but it could not shake our spirit or our beliefs. That dark chapter taught us that the protection of democracy doesn’t rest solely with the Constitution, but with the courage of its citizens.

Today, as we breathe in the air of freedom, it is our duty to remember that era and tell future generations—there was once a time in this country when speaking the truth alone could land you in jail. And how the sacrifices of thousands revived our democracy.

#Emergency #आपातकाल

Shyam Jaju – is a senior BJP leader with decades of experience in grassroots and national politics. A RSS and ABVP member, he joined the BJP in 1988 and rose through the ranks, serving as National Secretary and later National Vice-President. He played key roles in Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh and led Gautam Gambhir’s 2019 election campaign. Known for his organizational acumen, Jaju has advocated for economically weaker sections and actively participated in party seminars. In 2023, he and his son issued defamation notices to AAP leaders, reaffirming his commitment to protecting his reputation and the party’s integrity.