Restrictions on democratic rights, arrests and censorship highlighted
Details of the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan and the underground bulletin Ranbheri
Lucknow, October 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath released the book “Bharat Aantarik Emergency 1975”, authored by former minister and BJP leader Shatrudra Prakash, at his official residence on Thursday. Shatrudra Prakash presented a copy of his book to the Chief Minister. BJP leaders Ramesh Mishra and CP Singh were also present on the occasion.
The book details the Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977, the restrictions placed on democratic rights and the movements launched in opposition to it. It mentions the arrests of opposition leaders and social activists, censorship of newspapers and restrictions on civil liberties during the tenure of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The book records the period of the Emergency from June 25, 1975, to March 23, 1977, as a difficult phase for Indian democracy. It also refers to the movement led by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, forced sterilisation, the removal of poor settlements and issues related to constitutional institutions. The struggles of activists who continued the movement despite opposition have been given prominence.
The book also details Shatrudra Prakash’s political career and his activities against the Emergency. After being associated with student politics at Banaras Hindu University between 1968 and 1973, he struggled for basic amenities for the poor in Banaras. In 1974, he was among the youngest members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
The book also mentions the arrest of his wife, Anjana Prakash, during the Emergency and the activities of activists who went underground to continue their opposition. It describes how anti-Emergency views and messages concerning democratic rights were disseminated through an underground cyclostyled bulletin named Ranbheri.
