PM Modi Hits Congress Hard on the Last Anniversary Filled with Emergency: ‘There was a Time the Constitution Was Ripped Apart’
On the 44th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in 1975, Prime Minister Modi launched a broadside against the Congress, accusing the party of trampling over democracy and subverting constitutional values. During the observance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, Modi reminisced about the “dark days” when India’s Constitution was “ripped to shreds” and ultimately turned our country into a “prison”.
A Harsh Resemblance of the Past
From 1975 through 1977, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi averted the Emergency, an institution whose memory remains alive because of civil liberties deprivation, media censorship, and political repression. Modi denounced how the provisions of the Constitution during the dark days were misapplied to his wrong adversaries until dissent voices were mute, and India was thus “imprisoned.” BJP observes this time as a token reminder every year of undermining democracy.
‘Constitutional Values Were Betrayed’
In his statement, Modi reiterated on how the sanctity of the Constitution was misused during the Emergency while impacting other millions. He interpreted this action as the Congress turning India into “a sprawling prison,” where troop members, including political leaders and activists, were janked off without any ground. At the same time, Modi chastised the Congress party for not acknowledging, nor regretting, the wrongs committed during this phase. According to him, Congress pursues dynastic tenets and tends toward family sustainability over democratic values.
Judiciary and Media
Modi spoke of how the judiciary and media saw severe repression during the Emergency. Critical voices were stifled by censorship, and dissenters were branded as anti-national. The allegation was leveled that institutions supposed to uphold democratic values were, in fact, being weaponized against the people. The Prime Minister extended thanks to the peoples who fought bravavely for the return of democracy and stood up against the regime, underlining further the resilience of India’s democratic fabric.
BJP’s Values and Commitment Beyond Party Lines
In stark contrast to Congress’s actions in the Emergency, the BJP reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democratic values. Modi stated how India’s democracy has matured since the time of independence, such that even the poorest have a say on matters of governance. The e-governance policy and an extension of voting rights were given as evidence that the government is committed to the cause of an inclusive and transparent democracy.
Key Observations on Emergency’s Impact
Political Suppression: More than one hundred thousand were arrested. Numberless leaders were detained without trial.
Media Censorship-Proper approval had to be sought by newspapers before they could be published, and those which opposed such censorship were shut down.
Social Impact: Some basic freedoms, such as those for free speech, assembly, and movement, were curtailed for more than 21 months.
Debate on Congress and the Emergency
The Congress has justified its exercise during the Emergency on the grounds that it was the need of the hour. While Modi’s criticism raises issues about the larger ramifications of governance choices, the event still continues to be a polemical chapter in India’s history, representing, on one hand, the delicate balance preserved so as to ensure sanctity between democratic values and constitutional fidelity.
As India recalls the Emergency, discussions concerning accountability and the strengthening of democratic institutions remain central to ensuring that the period will not be witnessed again.
