Why in Indian History the period of "Emergency is associated with authoritarian rule? |
Forced sterilisation campaign was initiated. Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi was shot dead. India's population was drastically increasing. Period witnessed resurgence of a wide variety of social movements. |
Forced sterilisation campaign was initiated. |
The correct answer is Option (1) → Forced sterilisation campaign was initiated. The period of Emergency in Indian history, declared between 1975 and 1977, is associated with authoritarian rule primarily because of the suspension of democratic rights and the coercive actions taken by the government. One of the most widely criticized and authoritarian measures during this time was the forced sterilisation campaign. This campaignresulted in lakhs of people, particularly from poor and marginalized communities, being sterilised without proper consent. The government used pressure, intimidation, and even force to meet sterilisation targets, which led to widespread fear and resentment. Civil liberties were curtailed, the press was censored, opposition leaders were jailed, and the normal functioning of democracy was largely suspended. Therefore, it is the initiation of the forced sterilisation campaign, along with other repressive measures, that most clearly associates the Emergency with authoritarian rule. |