Book on 1975 Emergency Launched by UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow, October 29: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a new book on the 1975 Emergency at his official residence on Thursday. Titled 'Bharat Antarik Emergency 1975', the book has been written by former minister and BJP leader Shatrudra Prakash, who presented the copy to the Chief Minister personally.

BJP leaders Ramesh Mishra and CP Singh were present at the event.

The publication covers the Emergency enforced from 1975 to 1977 and the limits imposed on democratic rights. It also records the agitations that took place in opposition to these measures. Under the government of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the book notes, opposition leaders and social activists were arrested, press censorship was enforced, and restrictions were placed on citizens' freedoms.

The book defines the period between June 25, 1975, and March 23, 1977, as a difficult chapter in Indian democracy. It refers to the movement led by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, forced sterilisation, the removal of poor colonies, and issues linked to constitutional institutions. The struggle of workers who continued their protests despite opposition has been given special importance.

The book also includes a detailed look at Shatrudra Prakash's political life and his activities against the Emergency. He was involved in student politics at Kashi Hindu University from 1968 to 1973. Afterwards, he worked in Banaras for the basic facilities of the poor. In 1974, he became one of the youngest members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The narrative also describes the arrest of his wife, Anjana Prakash, during the Emergency and the activities of workers who opposed it while remaining underground. It further explains how anti-Emergency ideas and messages on democratic rights were circulated through the cyclostyled bulletin Ranbheri.