Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Rukhsana Sultana's Rise and Controversial Role During Emergency
During the 1975 Emergency, a socialite named Rukhsana Sultana gained influence near Sanjay Gandhi.
She was involved in the sterilization campaign and other actions that caused controversy.
Before becoming Rukhsana, she was known as Meenu Bimbet, with a family history in the military and film industries.
She had been married, divorced, and then opened a boutique.
Rukhsana entered politics by aligning with Sanjay Gandhi, a choice that led to both power and scrutiny.
Her story is a reminder of how personal connections and power can clash during national crises.
Rukhsana Sultana was a socialite who became influential in Sanjay Gandhi's circle during the 1975 Emergency.
Her involvement in the sterilisation campaign and the demolition at Turkman Gate were highly controversial.
Born Meenu Bimbet, she was from a family with a military background and a connection to the film industry.
She married and divorced, later reinventing herself and opening a boutique.
Sultana's entry into politics was based on personal allegiance to Sanjay Gandhi.
- Who
- Rukhsana Sultana.
- What
- Rukhsana Sultana, a socialite, became a controversial figure during the 1975 Emergency due to her influence in Sanjay Gandhi's circle and involvement in government campaigns.
- When
- During the 1975 Emergency.
- Where
- Delhi.
- Why
- Her influence was due to her personal allegiance to Sanjay Gandhi.
Critics
Defenders
Role in Turkman Gate
Critics
Blamed Rukhsana for the chaos at Turkman Gate and her proximity to power
Defenders
N/A
- Original Name
- Meenu Bimbet
- Father
- Captain Madan Mohan Bimbet
- Mother
- Zarina Haque
- Daughter
- Amrita Singh
- Former Husband
- Shivinder Singh Virk
- Associated With
- Sanjay Gandhi
- Controversy
- Sterilization campaign during Emergency