On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized the Congress Party on the 49th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency. Key BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, condemned Congress for what they described as an attack on democracy during the Emergency period.
Amit Shah's Remarks
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the severe impact of the Emergency, which was imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Shah stated on 'X' (formerly Twitter), "The arrogant and autocratic Congress government suspended people's civil rights for 21 months for the sake of power to one family. Censorship was imposed on the media, the Constitution was amended, and even the judiciary was restrained." He also paid tribute to those who fought against the Emergency.
Nadda's Criticism
BJP President J.P. Nadda took to 'X' to denounce the Congress for its decision to impose a state of Emergency. He said, "The Congress' politically driven decision to impose a state of Emergency shook the very pillars of democracy as it tried to trample over the Constitution given by B.R. Ambedkar." Nadda added, "During this period, those who today claim to be guardians of Indian democracy left no effort to suppress voices raised in defense of constitutional values. I am proud that our Party belongs to that tradition which resisted the Emergency tooth and nail and worked to protect democracy."
Defence Minister's View
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the Emergency as a "black chapter" in Indian democracy. In his post on 'X', Singh stated, "Dictatorship and misuse of power were on brazen display during the period, and it raises a big question mark on the commitment to democracy of several political parties."
Prime Minister Modi's Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted about the anniversary, saying, "Today is a day to pay homage to all those great men and women who resisted the Emergency. The dark days of Emergency remind us of how the Congress Party subverted basic freedoms and trampled over the Constitution of India which every Indian respects greatly. The mindset which led to the imposition of the Emergency is very much alive among the same Party which imposed it. They hide their disdain for the Constitution through their tokenism but the people of India have seen through their antics and that is why they have rejected them time and again." Modi urged people to ensure such an event never repeats.
Opposition's Response
The BJP's criticism coincides with a coordinated campaign by opposition parties accusing Modi's government of undermining the Constitution. Congress and other opposition members carried copies of the Constitution in Parliament on Monday, marking the beginning of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha.
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