Bihar leaders mark Emergency anniversary with call to uphold democratic values
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday (June 24, 2025) recalled the legacy of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and the movement against the Emergency, asserting that he, along with many of his colleagues, had actively opposed what he described as a period of dictatorship.
'All of our colleagues were imprisoned for raising our voices against dictatorship. However, the people of the country demonstrated unity and courage. Together, we fought the battle. All of you know that the voice of the people lies at the core of democracy,' Mr. Kumar said in a post on social media.
He further added, 'It is our responsibility to protect it in every situation. Bihar has always made the spirit of the Constitution, justice, freedom, and social justice the path of its development. Let our resolve be that we will always remain vigilant and ready to protect the ideals of the Constitution.'
Deputy Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary echoed similar sentiments at a programme organised by the Department of Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs in Patna, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
Mr. Choudhary said that the youth must know 'who killed democracy,' and described the period as one where fundamental rights were 'snatched away.' The event was titled Samvidhan Hatya Diwas – 2025.
'The Constitution of Dr. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar was murdered after 25 years of its implementation. Emergency was imposed by snatching away the fundamental rights of the people,' he said.
He further asserted that the country and the State had emerged from that dark phase and were now developing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. 'India has become the fourth largest economy in the world and democracy is flourishing,' he said.
Mr. Choudhary also recalled that a young Nitish Kumar had been jailed as a JP movement activist, having been held in the Buxar and Hazaribagh jails during the Emergency.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, addressing students at a 'Mock Parliament' held at RDK Homeopathic Medical College in Motihari, criticised the Congress for imposing the Emergency.
'Exactly 50 years ago, the repressive policies of the Congress, its lust for power and its dictatorial mindset had put an indelible stain on Indian democracy by imposing Emergency,' the Hamirpur MP said.
He alleged that lakhs of innocent people were jailed overnight due to 'the ego of a family and an individual being placed above the interest of the country.'
Mr. Thakur further said that while Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav had emerged from the JP movement, he later compromised with the Congress 'to save his chair.'
'Laluji's socialism is built on the foundation of corruption, nepotism and dynasty. The people of Bihar will never forgive Lalu Prasad and his clan, who dream of usurping power in Bihar,' he added.
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