As India marks 49 years of Emergency on Tuesday, photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under various disguises have emerged. It was during that period of draconian rule that the then Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Modi showcased exceptional ingenuity and bravery by adopting various disguises to evade arrests. He also supported the underground resistance movement led by the group, by meeting people and spreading messages.
Known for his versatility, Modi assumed several identities, including ‘Sardarji,’ ‘Batuk Bhai,’ and ‘Swamiji,’ to remain undetected by the police. These transformations allowed him to traverse across Gujarat, spreading the message of resistance against the “oppressive regime” of then-PM Indira Gandhi.
The RSS, aiming to keep its most effective operatives out of prison, relied on Modi’s ability to blend in and move freely. His efforts were crucial in maintaining the underground campaign. Modi’s journeys took him to cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot, where he was known as ‘Batuk Bhai.’
In another instance, Modi disguised himself as ‘Swamiji,’ donning saffron robes. During a visit to a worker’s house, he was introduced to an Acharya from the Swaminarayan Sampradaya as a visiting Swamiji from Udaipur. The encounter led to a debate between the real Sanyasi and Modi, the makeshift Swamiji.
One of the most daring episodes occurred in September 1976, when Modi needed to communicate with Vishnubhai Pandya and other incarcerated RSS members in Bhavnagar Jail. Disguised as ‘Swamiji,’ he gained entry into the jail under the pretext of meeting his ‘followers.’ Modi conducted a covert ‘Satsang’ and successfully left the jail without raising any suspicions. He also took on the persona of ‘Sardarji,’ complete with a turban. Despite the risk of being recognized, he interacted with college students and children, maintaining his cover.