From the beginning of his political career during the Emergency in 1975 to his death in 1980, Sanjay was a dominant figure on Indian political scene. It was believed that during the emergency period it was Sanjay Gandhi who was controlling the nation instead of the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
At one point of time, Sanjay was looked upon as the next political heir of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
But unfortunately his political career always encountered web of controversy.
Indira Gandhi doted on Sanjay Gandhi and delegated a lot of responsibility to him. This was criticized by many people including members of the Congress party.