Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that those who imposed the Emergency 50 years ago not only murdered the Constitution but also had the intention to keep the judiciary as their slave.
“Those who imposed the Emergency did not just murder our Constitution, but their goal was to subjugate the judiciary. During this time, people were tormented on a large scale. There are many such examples which cannot be forgotten,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks came just days after the government marked June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, on the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency. He said the country should always remember all those people who fought the Emergency with fortitude.
“Just a few days ago, the imposition of Emergency on the country completed its 50 years. We have observed the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’. We should always remember all those people who fought the Emergency with fortitude. This inspires us to remain constantly vigilant to keep our Constitution strong and enduring,” he added.
On the night of June 25, 1975, then prime minister Indira Gandhi-led Congress government invoked Article 352 of the Constitution to declare Emergency on the grounds of “internal disturbance”. This was the first and only time this provision was used in independent India.
Modi’s radio address also featured audio clips of former prime ministers Morarji Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as well as former deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, discussing the 21-month Emergency period between 1975 and 1977.
“Thousands of people who were arrested during that period were subjected to such inhuman atrocities. But it is the strength of India’s people… They did not bow down, did not break down and did not accept any compromise with democracy. Finally, the people at large won: the Emergency was lifted, and those who imposed the Emergency were defeated,” said PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
The Union Cabinet, a few days ago, passed a resolution in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency to commemorate those who resisted it, according to a government release.
PM Modi’s remarks on the Emergency, without naming the Congress or Indira Gandhi, came at a time when the ruling and Opposition parties are engaged in a heated exchange, with the latter alleging that an undeclared Emergency exists under the Modi government.
