PM Modi's Hidden Escape: The Sikh Disguise During the Emergency

New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) During a rally in Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the story of his secret residence in Ashok Vihar during the Emergency.

He recounted, "When the Emergency was imposed, the country was rallying against the authoritarian regime of Indira Gandhi, and the fight against the Emergency was in full swing. At that time, my companions were involved in the Bhumigat Andolan (underground movement), and Ashok Vihar was where I took refuge."

Before emerging as a leading figure in Indian politics, Modi dedicated years to serving as a pracharak (campaigner) for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), participating in social initiatives across the nation.

Vijay Rajpal, a local of Ashok Vihar, shared his early interactions with Modi, especially during the tumultuous times of the 1975 Emergency.

"I first encountered Modi in 1973 at the RSS office in Ahmedabad. Since then, we began frequent conversations, often over the phone, and exchanged letters," Vijay Rajpal reminisces.

When the Emergency was declared, the connection between Rajpal and PM Modi deepened significantly.

Rajpal recalls, "One day, I got a call from Modi ji, asking, 'Can I stay at your home?' I immediately welcomed him and told him he could come at any time. We regarded him as part of our family. He stayed with us without any demands, and despite being from Gujarat, he enjoyed our Punjabi food as if he belonged to our family."

At that point, the Gujarat Police were actively on the lookout for Modi.

His photograph, along with those of other 'wanted' individuals, was displayed in cinemas throughout Gujarat during the Emergency.

As the police intensified their search, he found himself at a pivotal moment. He needed to carry on his activities discreetly, just like many RSS workers across India.

Rajpal explains the special precautions they undertook to ensure PM Modi's safety in Delhi.

"At that time, Modi ji had grown a light beard and wore pants along with a short-sleeved white shirt. He chose to disguise himself as a Sikh, which appeared to be less dangerous than other alternatives. Modi ji asked me, 'How shall we manage this?' We went to Chandni Chowk, where we purchased fabric for a turban from a store near Motilal Cinema. Afterward, we took him to a location in Delhi's Sabzi Mandi, where a friend of my uncle, a Sikh, tied the turban for Modi ji. From then on, he wore the turban regularly during those days."

The operation was set in motion.

"Modi ji traveled with me from Delhi to Surat by deluxe train, disguised as a Sikh. I advised him to remain silent, as excessive talking could expose his true identity. Since he wasn't fluent in Punjabi, he traveled quietly, allowing us to evade detection," Rajpal recalls.

"Modi ji’s perseverance and determination during that challenging period were extraordinary. He was willing to make any sacrifice for his country, and even then, I sensed his leadership qualities. His ability to assess situations under pressure and operate strategically distinguishes him from others," Rajpal adds.

This account from Prime Minister Modi underscores the resilience and strategic mindset that characterized his formative years in the underground movement during the Emergency, a time that profoundly influenced his future in Indian politics.