New Delhi, October 3:
On this day in 1977, India witnessed a dramatic twist in its political history as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This arrest came just months after the Emergency era (1975–77) ended and the Janata Party government came to power.
The Reason for Arrest
Indira Gandhi faced allegations of misuse of power during her tenure as Prime Minister. The CBI accused her of irregularities in the controversial ‘Jeep Scandal’ and defence deals, along with other cases of corruption and abuse of authority. These charges were seen as an attempt to hold her accountable for actions taken during Emergency rule.
The Arrest and Immediate Impact
The arrest, carried out in Delhi, sparked a nationwide uproar. Congress leaders and supporters termed it as an act of political vendetta by the ruling Janata Party. However, within hours, the court ordered her release, declaring the case weak.
Political Consequences
While the Janata Party government expected this move to discredit Indira Gandhi, the result was quite the opposite.
The arrest revived Indira Gandhi’s popularity among the masses.
It gave Congress workers a reason to rally behind her.
The Janata Party’s image suffered as people saw the arrest as revenge politics rather than justice.
A Turning Point
This episode ultimately paved the way for Indira Gandhi’s political comeback. Just three years later, in 1980, she returned to power as Prime Minister with a massive mandate.
📌 Thus, the arrest of Indira Gandhi on October 3, 1977, stands as a defining moment in Indian democracy—reshaping political narratives and proving how quickly the tide of public opinion can turn.
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