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Sterilization
To control population growth, Indira Gandhi implemented a voluntary sterilization program. As a result, adversaries criticized her and her administration in general. To secure her power and because of escalating riots, on June 26, 1975, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency which limited the personal freedom of Indians. Also, she ordered the arrests of the main opposition leaders. At first Gandhi had little trouble in pushing through amendments to the constitution that exonerated her from any culpability, and declaring President's Rule in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. From this many opponents were jailed. During this time there were many anti-Indira parties that ruled in the stated Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. During this difficult time Indira needed someone to depend on so, she turned to her younger son, Sanjay, who became an enthusiastic advocate for the Emergency. Under Sanjay's influence, sterilization was forced which means birth control that was imposed on the poor in an attempt to curb India's growing population, also increased numbers of urban squatters and slum dwellers in Delhi were evicted, and disgruntled workers were either disciplined or had their wages frozen. The Reign of Terror, as some called it, continued until January 18, 1977, when Gandhi suddenly relaxed the Emergency, announced the next general election in March, and released her opponents from prison. Confident that she had debilitated her opposition, Gandhi called for fresh elections, and found herself beaten by a newly formed coalition of several political parties. Three years later, Indira returned as Prime Minister of India.