Union min Sonowal criticises Congress for Emergency

Time of India

a day ago

Dibrugarh: Union minister of ports, shipping & waterways
on Friday launched a scathing attack on
during a commemoration event marking 50 years since the Emergency declaration, asserting that the party "has no moral standing to raise slogans like 'Save the Constitution' after having tried to crush it during the Emergency.
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Speaking at the inaugural session of a "Mock Parliament" organised at the Dibrugarh Hanumanbux Surajmall Kanoi (DHSK) College by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the BJP's Mahila Morcha, Sonowal characterised the Emergency period as "a black chapter" that exposed Congress's authoritarian tendencies.
"Fifty years ago, the Congress govt forcibly imposed Emergency on the nation, suspending basic rights and humiliating our Constitution, which was drafted after years of tireless work by Dr BR Ambedkar and his colleagues.
's hunger for power and her family's decisions struck at the heart of democracy," he said.
Sonowal painted a vivid picture of the authoritarian excesses during the Emergency, highlighting how democratic institutions were reduced to mere formalities. "At one point, they replaced Mahatma Gandhi's photos in govt offices with Indira Gandhi's portraits. Even iconic singer Kishore Kumar's songs were banned from All India Radio," he said. The minister particularly criticised the concentration of power during that period, noting that "even Cabinet ministers had to wait for approval from Sanjay Gandhi, and the Lok Sabha functioned as a 'rubber stamp' for one family's whims.
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While condemning the Emergency, Sonowal paid homage to the leaders who resisted the authoritarian rule. He specifically mentioned opposition leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who "led courageous struggles to protect democracy," as well as Assam's own Golap Borbora and other regional leaders who mobilised public resistance. "Millions across India united to defend the Constitution that guarantees our dignity and rights.
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Because of that struggle, today every Indian enjoys social justice, economic growth and the right to live with honour," he said.
The minister urged the younger generation to remember this historical lesson. "Congress today shouts 'Save the Constitution,' but it was they who tried to kill it," he declared. "The people have already punished them at the ballot box, but our youth must remember this dark phase of India's history so it is never repeated."
Drawing a sharp contrast with the Emergency era, Sonowal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership approach. "Every policy under PM Modi reflects democratic values, compassion and inclusivity. Under him, India has become a respected global power because our democracy is alive and strong," he said.
The Union minister argued that the current BJP-led govt represents a fundamental departure from Congress's alleged authoritarian tendencies.
"The BJP-led NDA govt has always worked to uphold democratic values and build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Our goal is inclusive progress that leaves no community or region behind," Sonowal stated.
Beyond the Emergency period, Sonowal accused Congress of consistently obstructing India's development trajectory. "They delayed our nation's progress in every way—social, economic and political.
Even after decades in power, they failed to ensure basic dignity, food and shelter for millions," he said.
Addressing the students and youth present at the event, Sonowal issued a clarion call for democratic vigilance. "This chapter must never be forgotten. Democracy is India's lifeblood, and the Constitution its soul. It is your duty to protect both," he said.
The event witnessed significant political participation, with the presence of several senior leaders including Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia, state ministers Bimal Borah, Prasanta Phukan and Rupesh Gowala, Rajya Sabha MP Rameswar Teli, Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, and MLAs Chakradhar Gogoi, Binod Hazarika, Terash Gowala and Taranga Gogoi.