Indira Gandhi Interview | TV Eye | 1978

Summary

In this intense interview, former Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Gandhi, addresses the possibility of her return to power, reflecting on her political journey and the circumstances that led to the declaration of the State of Emergency in 1975. She defends her actions, citing internal and external threats to India's stability, and vehemently denies allegations of abuse of power and forced sterilizations. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the Indian democracy and the media's role in shaping public perception.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Mrs. Gandhi discusses the possibility of returning as Prime Minister but expresses uncertainty about her willingness to do so.
• 🤔 She questions the necessity of her being in politics, citing her initial reluctance to stand for parliament.
• 👥 Mrs. Gandhi acknowledges the support of the Indian people, attributing it to her actions and their perception of her work.
• 📣 She denies any abuse of the trust placed in her by the Indian people, referencing the state of emergency declared in 1975.
• 🚨 Mrs. Gandhi speaks about the perceived threats to India's security, hinting at both internal and external factors.
• 📜 She criticizes the Shah Commission's report, calling it one-sided and politically motivated, and disputes its findings regarding the emergency.
• 📊 Mrs. Gandhi defends the actions taken during the emergency, arguing they were necessary for India's economic and political stability.
• 🛑 She addresses the issue of compulsory sterilization, admitting to mistakes but denying systemic coercion or abuse.
• 📰 Mrs. Gandhi criticizes the press for biased reporting and suggests that media freedoms were not properly managed during the emergency.
• 🏛️ She implies that the current government is creating a de facto state of emergency without the legal or constitutional framework.
• 💡 Mrs. Gandhi expresses her commitment to fighting for India's future and rejects the notion that it is anyone else's business but India's.

Q & A

Can Mrs. Gandhi envision a situation where she might become Prime Minister of India again?

Mrs. Gandhi acknowledges that she can imagine the circumstances but is unsure if she would want to or agree to be Prime Minister again.

What does Mrs. Gandhi believe was the reason for her return to politics despite her initial reluctance?

She mentions that she was compelled to return due to the sustained malicious propaganda that influenced people, and she felt a duty to counteract it.

How does Mrs. Gandhi respond to the claim that she abused the trust of the Indian people, particularly in relation to the state of emergency declared in 1975?

She denies any abuse of trust and explains that the state of emergency was declared due to an imminent danger to India's security, which she believed was both internal and externally supported.

What was Mrs. Gandhi's reaction to being described as the woman to whom the gods entrusted the destiny of India?

She states that she had not heard this phrase before and considers such extravagant phrases meaningless, common in Indian addresses.

How does Mrs. Gandhi justify the actions taken during the state of emergency, such as the arrest of political opponents and the suspension of certain rights?

She argues that the actions were necessary to prevent India from descending into anarchy and that they were temporary measures taken to ensure the country's survival.

What was the reported outcome of the Shah Commission's inquiry into the abuses of power during the state of emergency?

The Shah Commission found no evidence of a conspiracy or imminent danger to justify the state of emergency, and it criticized the government for suppressing dissent and controlling the press.

How does Mrs. Gandhi address the allegations of widespread compulsory sterilization during the state of emergency?

She denies widespread compulsion and argues that while mistakes may have occurred, the program was aimed at addressing overpopulation concerns for the welfare of future generations.

What does Mrs. Gandhi believe the future holds for India, and how does she plan to contribute to it?

She believes that the future of India is for its people to decide and that she will continue to fight for what she believes is in the best interest of the country.

How does Mrs. Gandhi respond to the suggestion that she should face criminal charges based on the Shah Commission's allegations?

She maintains her innocence and argues that the findings of the Shah Commission are irrelevant and not reflective of the actual situation.

What was the impact of the state of emergency on the freedom of the press in India, according to Mrs. Gandhi?

Mrs. Gandhi admits that censorship was not properly managed but argues that it was intended as a temporary measure to protect the state during a critical period.

How does Mrs. Gandhi view the current situation in India in comparison to the state of emergency she imposed?

She believes that there is currently a state of emergency in India, characterized by fear and chaos, which she attributes to the actions of the current government.