PM Narendra Modi describes the Emergency as a memorable time in India’s history
The Narendra Modi administration has been accused by the Congress of repressing dissent, strangling democracy, and restricting freedom of expression in the nation. On the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, BJP leaders went on a Twitter rampage to respond to the Congress.
On June 25, 1975, the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government declared a state of emergency, which lasted for the next 21 months and saw the suspension of the public’s basic rights and press restrictions.
“I admire all those brave individuals who fought against the Emergency and sought to bolster our democratic spirit. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said in a tweet that “the dark days of Emergency remain an unforgettable period in our history, completely at odds with the values our Constitution celebrates.”
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, said that the declaration of the Emergency was the result of a “selfish” power struggle and that it still serves as a reminder of the Congress’ “dictatorial mentality.”
Shah said in Hindi on Twitter that “on this day in 1975, a family imposed an Emergency in the country, taking away people’s rights and killing democracy, fearing losing power from their hands.”
“Imposition of Emergency for selfish power struggle is a symbol of Congress’ dictatorial mentality and an indelible taint on the party,” he said.
Shah said that tens of thousands of people toiled under great pain to resurrect democracy. I give everyone of those patriots my sincere respect.
The Emergency period, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, was a “defining political experience” for his age and “a lifelong lesson.”
It was the defining political experience of my age and a lifetime lesson to build our democratic fabric, Jaishankar wrote on the anniversary of the proclamation of Emergency. He added, “Remember those dark days and how the nation overcame this challenge.”
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, tweeted newspaper clippings to remind her followers about the press’ fight for freedom of expression and against restrictions on it during the Emergency.
“Media denounced the Emergency’s restrictions on press freedom and free expression. The media was silenced, the whole opposition was imprisoned, and the constitution was unilaterally altered by a power-hungry Congress, she said in her tweet.
According to Sitharaman, the Congress works for the dynasty rather than the Indian people.
In a Hindi-language tweet, BJP leader J. P. Nadda said that the Congress’ “ruthlessness left behind even the tyranny of hundreds of years of foreign rule.”
“I bow down to all the patriots who fought for the establishment of democracy in such difficult times while enduring immense tortures,” he said.
