DNA Explainer: How Emergency imposed by ex-PM Indira Gandhi in 1975 changed Indian politics forever Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and grandson of late PM Indira Gandhi said that Emergency was a 'mistake' and what happened in that period was 'wrong'. (Image Source: File Photo) Updated: Mar 3, 2021, 06:17 PM IST On June 26, 1975 former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed national emergency across India, under the directions of the then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi - which lasted for 21 months. During this time elections were suspended and civil liberties curbed. After 46 years, on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi - Congress leader and grandson of late PM Indira Gandhi, said at an event that Emergency was a 'mistake' and what happened in that period was 'wrong'.