PM Modi recalls Emergency as ‘dark chapter’, describes country as ‘turned into prison’.
- PM Modi’s Address: Ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the dark period of the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, calling it a ‘black spot on the Constitution’ of India. Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, responded by waving a copy of the Indian Constitution.
- Anniversary of Emergency: June 25, 2024, marks the 49th anniversary of the Emergency declared by India’s first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. PM Modi highlighted its significance, noting that the next day would mark 50 years since this ‘dark chapter’ in India’s democracy.
- Imposition and Impact: PM Modi described the Emergency as a time when the Constitution was disregarded, civil liberties were suspended, and the country was turned into a prison. He emphasized the suppression of democracy and the severe curtailment of freedoms during that period.
- Call to Protect Democracy: Reflecting on the 50-year milestone since the Emergency, PM Modi urged the new generation to remember and protect the Constitution and democratic values. He called upon the nation to ensure that such an assault on democracy is never repeated.
- Historical Context: The Emergency, spanning from 1975 to 1977, was marked by censorship, political persecution, and the suspension of fundamental rights. Indira Gandhi justified its imposition citing a “deep conspiracy” against her government following legal challenges to her election.
- Political Turmoil: During the Emergency, there were widespread arrests of opposition leaders, including prominent figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Morarji Desai. The period saw protests, strikes, and a significant curtailment of dissent.
- Condemnation of Emergency: PM Modi’s condemnation of the Emergency is consistent with his previous remarks, including during the 102nd episode of Mann Ki Baat in 2023, where he highlighted the widespread opposition and the sacrifices made by supporters of democracy.
- Legacy of Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi, despite her earlier popularity and success in the 1971 elections and the Bangladesh Liberation War, faced escalating opposition and unrest that culminated in the declaration of Emergency.
- Supreme Court and Emergency: The Emergency was declared shortly after the Supreme Court’s interim stay on a verdict against Indira Gandhi’s election, which she interpreted as part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize her government.
- Current Relevance: PM Modi’s remarks underscore the ongoing significance of remembering the Emergency as a cautionary tale against authoritarian tendencies and as a reminder to safeguard India’s democratic principles and constitutional rights.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reflections on the Emergency highlight its profound impact on Indian democracy and underscore the importance of vigilance in defending constitutional values. His address resonates with historical context and current political discourse, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic norms and prevent any recurrence of such challenging periods in India’s democratic journey.