PM Modi Reflects on Emergency Era: A Call to Remember the Fight for Democracy
Modi's Monthly Address Highlights Historical Atrocities
New Delhi: During his latest radio broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited the dark chapter of the Emergency, using audio clips from prominent anti-Emergency leaders to criticize the Congress government of that era for its oppressive actions against citizens. He emphasized the importance of remembering these events to ensure vigilance in upholding the Constitution.
In his 'Mann Ki Baat' program, Modi asserted that those responsible for the Emergency not only undermined the Constitution but also manipulated the judiciary.
While he refrained from directly naming the Congress party or former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, his remarks came amidst ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, who have accused the current government of imposing an undeclared Emergency.
Modi highlighted the power of public engagement in overcoming significant challenges, stating, "I will play an audio for you. In this audio, you will get an idea of the magnitude of that crisis. How grave that crisis was."
The audio featured Morarji Desai, who served as Prime Minister after the Emergency, discussing the severe oppression experienced during Indira Gandhi's regime, particularly in the final two years of the Emergency.
Desai remarked, "People's right to freedom was snatched away, newspapers were left without freedom. Courts were made completely powerless. And the way more than one lakh people were put in jail and then arbitrary rule continued, it is difficult to find its traces in the history of the world."
Modi recounted the widespread torture inflicted during the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, noting that numerous atrocities against citizens remain etched in memory.
He also shared excerpts from speeches by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram, reflecting on the period.
Recalling the plight of George Fernandes, Modi pointed out that anyone could be arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) at that time.
He mentioned the harassment of students and the suppression of free speech, stating that thousands faced inhumane treatment, yet the resilience of the Indian people prevailed, refusing to compromise on democratic values.
Ultimately, the Emergency was lifted, marking a victory for the people, as those who enforced it faced defeat.
Modi noted that the recent commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, termed 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas', serves as a reminder to honor those who bravely opposed it.
The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, by Indira Gandhi.
In the audio, Vajpayee remarked, "Whatever happened in the country cannot be called just an election. A peaceful revolution has taken place. The wave of people's power has thrown the killers of democracy into the dustbin of history."
Modi concluded by urging that we must always remember those who stood against the Emergency, as their courage inspires us to remain vigilant in safeguarding our Constitution.