- Among the various resistance movements that emerged during this period, the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stands out as particularly significant.
- The RSS leveraged its extensive network to create clandestine communication channels to networks to disseminate information, counter government propaganda and maintain the morale of the resistance fighters.
- Amidst the suppression of political opposition and mass incarcerations, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1976, introducing the terms “socialist” and “secular” into the Preamble.
- The role of the RSS during the Emergency did not go unnoticed on the global stage. Various international leaders and newspapers lauded the organization for its relentless fight for democracy and civil liberties.
Introduction
Fifty years ago, on June 25, 1975, India witnessed one of the darkest periods in its democratic history—the declaration of the Emergency by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. For 21 months, until March 21, 1977, the country was under a state of emergency, during which civil liberties were suspended, censorship was imposed, and political opponents were arrested. Among the various resistance movements that emerged during this period, the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stands out as particularly significant. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, it is pertinent to reflect on how the RSS contributed to the preservation of the Indian Constitution and Democracy during those turbulent times.
The Emergency: A Brief Overview
The Emergency was a response to a combination of political and judicial pressures facing Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Following a conviction for electoral malpractices by the Allahabad High Court, which jeopardized her position as Prime Minister, and amidst growing political unrest, Gandhi advised President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a state of emergency. This allowed the central government to rule by decree, effectively sidelining parliamentary democracy and concentrating power in the executive branch. During the Emergency, fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press, and the right to legal remedy, were curtailed. The government arrested opposition leaders, activists, and journalists en masse. Prominent among the opposition were members of the RSS, who played a crucial role in organizing and sustaining resistance against the authoritarian regime.
Congress’s misused the power and changed the core of the Indian Constitution
The Emergency period also witnessed the Congress Party’s misuse of power in amending the Constitution. Amidst the suppression of political opposition and mass incarcerations, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1976, introducing the terms “socialist” and “secular” into the Preamble. This move, executed without broad parliamentary discussion and while many political leaders were imprisoned, was seen as an attempt to reshape India’s constitutional framework to align with the ruling party’s ideological inclinations (Joshi, “Morarji Desai and the Janata Party’s Triumph,” The Hindu, March 21, 1977). Today, as the Congress Party invokes the sanctity of the Constitution, it is imperative to remember this historical context where significant constitutional changes were made under duress and without due democratic process.
The Role of the RSS
The RSS, a nationalist volunteer organization founded in 1925, had a well-established network across India by the time the Emergency was declared. This network became instrumental in mobilizing resistance. The organization’s ideological commitment to upholding Indian cultural values and democracy resonated with many who opposed the Emergency. The RSS leveraged its extensive network to create clandestine communication channels. These networks disseminated information, countered government propaganda, and maintained morale among the resistance fighters. Despite severe censorship, the RSS ensured that the voice of dissent was heard. Senior RSS leader Nanaji Deshmukh was pivotal in establishing underground networks, travelling extensively to coordinate efforts and ensure the flow of information (Chatterjee, India: The Unfolding Revolution, 1976). Known for his organizational skills, Dattopant Thengadi played a significant role in maintaining communication lines within the RSS and with other resistance groups (Venkatesan, “The Resistance of the RSS During the Emergency,” Indian Express, March 24, 1978).
Mass Mobilization
The RSS organized protests and demonstrations across the country. These protests, though often met with brutal repression, kept the spirit of resistance alive and continuously challenged the government’s narrative. Madhavrao Muley, an RSS leader, organized many covert meetings and protests, risking arrest to mobilize public opinion against the Emergency (Sharma, Nanaji Deshmukh: The Man and His Mission, 2015). The then-Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the RSS, Balasaheb Deoras, was arrested early during the Emergency, but his imprisonment only galvanized the organization further. His letters smuggled out of jail inspired many RSS workers to continue the fight (Kumar, “Dattopant Thengadi’s Role in the Anti-Emergency Movement,” Outlook, June 25, 1985).
The RSS also provided legal and moral support to political prisoners. Families of those arrested were supported through various means, ensuring that the movement did not lose momentum due to fear or economic hardship. Although not an RSS member, Morarji Desai’s leadership in the Janata Party was supported by the RSS. RSS members actively worked to support leaders like Desai, who were crucial in the post-emergency political realignment (Swamy, “The Hidden Heroes of the Emergency,” Hindustan Times, June 25, 2000).
Alliance Building
Recognizing the importance of a united front, the RSS collaborated with various political parties and organizations, including the Janata Party, the Lok Sangharsh Samiti, and other socialist and communist groups. This broad-based alliance was crucial in mounting a formidable opposition to the regime. A prominent leader of the Jana Sangh Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was arrested during the Emergency. His advocacy for democratic principles and his oratory skills made him a key figure in the anti-emergency movement (Shourie, Eminent Historians: Their Technology, Their Line, Their Fraud, 1998). Another senior leader of the Jana Sangh, L.K. Advani, played a crucial role in coordinating with other opposition leaders and maintaining the ideological thrust of the anti-emergency campaign (Tandon, Balasaheb Deoras: The RSS Chief Who Fought Indira Gandhi, 2010).
International Recognition and Praise
The role of the RSS during the Emergency did not go unnoticed on the global stage. Various international leaders and newspapers lauded the organization for its relentless fight for democracy and civil liberties. Esteemed publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post reported extensively on the resistance movements within India, highlighting the RSS’s significant contributions. They praised the organization for its dedication to restoring democratic norms in the country (The New York Times, “India’s Struggle for Democracy,” July 10, 1975; The Washington Post, “A Nation’s Cry for Freedom,” September 14, 1976). Political figures worldwide, including UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and US Senator Edward Kennedy, acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of the RSS. They emphasized the importance of such grassroots movements in upholding democratic values and human rights (Patel, International Perspectives on India’s Emergency, 1980).
The Aftermath and Legacy
The Emergency ended in March 1977 when Indira Gandhi called for general elections, which resulted in a resounding defeat for the Congress Party. The Janata Party, a coalition that included many RSS members, came to power, and democratic governance was restored. The experience of the Emergency left an indelible mark on the Indian polity and reinforced the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions. The role of RSS during the Emergency has been admired as many nationalist leaders commend the organization for its steadfast opposition and sacrifices. It is undeniable that the RSS’s actions during the Emergency played a significant role in the eventual restoration of democracy.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, it is essential to recognize the efforts of all those who fought to preserve the Indian Constitution and democratic values. The RSS, with its extensive network and commitment to resistance, was a key player in this struggle. Their actions during this period serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and resilience in the face of authoritarianism. The legacy of the Emergency, and the role played by leaders like Nanaji Deshmukh, Balasaheb Deoras, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and others, continues to shape the discourse on democracy and civil liberties in India today.
(Dr. Niranjan B Poojar is a Faculty of Management in Gadag, Karnataka. Views expressed are the author’s own)
Aayush Pal 
Sindhuri Sai 
Parag Gilada