‘Not Only They Murder Democracy But…': PM Modi's Dig At Congress On Imposing Emergency
Last Updated:
PM Modi said that recently India marked 50 years of dark period and said that democracy was murdered and the people of India were harassed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a veiled jibe at Congress party saying that people who imposed emergency in the nation did not just murder the democracy but their goal was also to keep judiciary as their puppet.
While addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that recently India marked 50 years of dark period and said that democracy was murdered and the people of India were harassed. He further said that the Emergency was a tough period for the nation.
During the broadcast, the Prime Minister also aired the brief message of former PM Morarji Desai detailing how people were tortured during that period.
'Morarji Desai describes the Emergency in brief… Not only did those who imposed Emergency murder democracy, but their intention was to keep the judiciary as their puppet… Under 'MISA', anyone was arrested arbitrarily, people were tortured…" he said.
Democracy had entered a dark period during those years. Under 'MISA', anyone was arrested arbitrarily, people were tortured… Indians refused to compromise on democracy. Finally, people won and Emergency was lifted," PM Modi said.
He further said that the country marked 50 years of Emergency being imposed, a few days ago. 'We countrymen observed 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas' on the occasion and we must remember those who bravely fought against Emergency. This inspires us to remain vigilant to safeguard our constitution," he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, passed a resolution to commemorate and honour the 'sacrifices of countless individuals who valiantly resisted the Emergency".
The 21-month-long censorship of the press, mass arrest, and centralisation of power in the hands of an unaccountable executive marked the nadir of Indian democracy.
The roots of this unprecedented move lay in a verdict delivered just weeks earlier. On 12 June 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in her 1971 win over socialist leader Raj Narain from Rae Bareli. The court disqualified her from holding office and barred her from contesting elections for six years.
Soon after the court's ruling, the opposition launched a nationwide campaign demanding her resignation.
Indira Gandhi's inner circle argued that the country was descending into anarchy – trains had stopped running, courts were being surrounded, and public services had come to a standstill due to strikes.
As the pressure mounted, Gandhi's legal team crafted a justification for invoking Article 352.
With one stroke of the pen, democracy was suspended. Civil liberties vanished overnight. The press was muzzled, opposition leaders jailed, judicial oversight curtailed, and censorship became law.
For the next 21 months, India was ruled under extraordinary powers. Thousands of political opponents were imprisoned without trial. A period of forced sterilisations and slum demolitions followed, with the government wielding unchecked authority.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
'It's up to them': Owaisi keen on joining Mahagathbandhan in Bihar; says NDA must go
NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has expressed keenness to join the Mahagathbandhan alliance and contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections together "to prevent the BJP-led NDA from returning to power." Owaisi, however, said that he tried to enter the opposition alliance in 2020, but talks fell through. "Our state president, Akhtarul Iman, has spoken to some leaders in the Mahagathbandhan and has categorically stated that we do not want the BJP or NDA to come back to power in Bihar. Now, it is up to these political parties that also want to prevent the NDA's return. Five years ago, I had also tried personally, but nothing came out of it," Owaisi said. "This time too, our state president is making an effort. But it is up to them. We will be contesting elections in Seemanchal and outside Seemanchal as well. If they are not ready, I am prepared to contest everywhere. Wait for the right time — it is too early to announce the exact number of seats," he added. Earlier, party state president and sole MLA Akhtarul Iman said that the party has conveyed its willingness to both RJD chief Lalu Prasad and the Congress leadership. "We are waiting for their response. We are ready to bury the hatchet despite the fact that the RJD took away our four MLAs. We want to move past these issues to achieve the bigger goal of defeating the NDA," he said. "Like-minded people must come under one umbrella if we are to oust the NDA from power in Bihar. The RJD and Congress might be interested in power, but our intent is to fight for justice," he added. In the 2020 assembly elections, AIMIM altered the political dynamics in the state after winning five seats in the Seemanchal region. The party contested 14 of its 20 seats in the state as part of the Grand Democratic Secular Front (GDSF) and won five: Amour, Jokihat, Bahadurganj, Baisi, and Kochadhaman. The region holds strategic importance for the Mahagathbandhan's ambitions to form the government, as both the Congress and RJD have traditionally relied on strong support from the Yadav and Muslim communities. Later in 2022, four of AIMIM's five MLAs joined RJD. AIMIM was subsequently blamed by both the Congress and the RJD for splitting the "secular" vote. The assembly election is scheduled for the end of the year, where a high-stakes battle is expected. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)- consisting of the Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party — will face off against the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Congress, RJD and Left parties.
The Hindu
37 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Opposition boycotts high tea event on eve of Monsoon Session; calls Maharashtra Govt dishonest
The opposition parties in Maharashtra on Sunday (June 29, 2025) announced a boycott of the traditional high tea event of the State Government on the eve of the legislature's Monsoon Session citing rampant corruption, unpopular policies and misuse of funds. Confirming the development, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve of the Shiv Sena (UBT) said the boycott is a mark of protest against a "dishonest Government". "From the forced implementation of the Shaktipeeth Expressway to the failure to provide buses to MSRTC, non-payment of dues to private contractors, and injustice in the Vaishali Hagawane [dowry harassment-suicide] case in Pune, this Government has lost the moral right to seek cooperation. Why should we meet the government that is imposing a third language [Hindi] on Standard I," he said. His colleague and former Minister Aaditya Thackeray attacked the Mahayuti government of Devendra Fadnavis for corruption in school admissions. "The first list for 11th standard admissions appears to be tainted with corruption. There is reason to believe that school education minister Dada Bhuse may be involved," he alleged. Mr. Thackeray also slammed the State Government for "tacitly backing" the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which he claimed was imposing "unjust" fines to the tune of ₹12.50 crore on motorists using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The driver of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP Sandipan Bhumre has received a huge parcel of land from the descendants of the erstwhile royal Salar Jung family of Hyderabad, which raises suspicion of irregular land deals, Mr. Thackeray further alleged. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar pointed out to former BJP Minister Babanrao Lonikar's objectionable statements at a gathering. Mr. Lonikar had slammed critics of the BJP-led government by claiming the clothes they were wearing and other amenities they were enjoying in life have been handed down to them by the ruling party. "This government is indifferent to people's problems. The three constituents of the Mahayuti are fighting among themselves for funds and to expand their influence. They are more concerned with siphoning off public resources," Mr. Wadettiwar alleged. The Mahayuti comprises the BJP, Mr. Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. The Congress leader also pointed out to the "inflated cost" of infrastructure projects in the State, citing the cancellation of tenders for a tunnel and road project in Thane-Ghodbunder-Bhayander route after the matter reached the Supreme Court. The MMRDA, which is helming the project, also announced a reduction in the cost of the project subsequently. "Why was the cost inflated in the first place? The intention was to misuse the money to possibly buy MLAs or for other nefarious purposes," he alleged.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shivakumar to be Karnataka CM? Congress MLA's big 2-3 months claim; hints at major government rejig
File photo of Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM D K Shivakumar (Pic credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain on Sunday hinted at a leadership change in Karnataka, saying that D K Shivakumar can get the chief minister post within the next two or three months. His remark came amid renewed speculation about a major political development in Karnataka soon. Speculation reignites over rotational CM formula Earlier, cooperation minister K N Rajanna hinted at "revolutionary" political developments after September. When asked if Shivakumar had a chance to become CM, Hussain told reporters, "You all know what our (Congress's) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar's) strategy and programmes are history now." "I don't believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added. He emphasised that the big decision will be made within two to three months, when asked if Shivakumar will get the position this year. "Yes, I'm saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A decision will be made within two to three months," Hussain said. "That's what I'm saying. I'm not beating around the bush; I'm speaking directly," he asserted. High command holds the cards When asked about Siddaramaiah 's son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah brushing off the leadership change as mere speculation, Hussain said that Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 assembly polls. "We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi , and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we'll have to wait and watch," he said. Hussain also took the sting out of Rajanna's "revolution" comment, saying that allowing a deserving person cannot be called a revolution. "What does revolution mean? Changes are common in politics. When the time comes, the high command will decide who should be given the responsibility. A suitable person, capable of providing good administration in today's circumstances, will get the opportunity and do their duty. There is an expectation for change, but it cannot be called a revolution," he said. No revolt, no split, just transition Highlighting that Congress is in power in the state, he said, "if another party were overthrowing this government, that could be called a revolution. But nothing like that is happening—the government is strong and has a clear majority." Hussain further dismissed Rajanna's claims about multiple power centres within the Congress, saying, "There is only one power centre—the party high command." "There is discipline and commitment in the Congress, and everyone follows it. People from different communities have worked for the party, and they have sacrificed and fought for it. In today's situation, there is an expectation for change, and that change will happen—but it cannot be called a revolution," he claimed.
