New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invoked the memories of the Emergency period (1975–77), calling it a "murder of the Constitution" and warning citizens to remain vigilant against any such threats to democracy.
Without naming the Congress or then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Modi in the123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, strongly criticised the imposition of the Emergency, stating that it not only subverted constitutional values but also reduced the judiciary to a "puppet".
“Those who imposed the Emergency not only murdered the Constitution but also made the judiciary their puppet,” he said, adding that the atrocities committed during the 21-month period should never be forgotten. “People were tortured on a large scale, students were harassed, and freedom of expression was throttled,” he noted.
The Prime Minister played archival clips from speeches by former Prime Ministers Morarji Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as well as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram, all of whom were prominent figures in the opposition to the Emergency.
He also referred to the arrest and treatment of socialist leader George Fernandes, noting that many were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) without trial.
“Many people were subjected to severe torture. Under MISA, anyone could be summarily arrested. Students too were harassed. Freedom of expression was also stifled. Thousands of people who were arrested during that period were subjected to such inhumane atrocities.
“But it is the strength of the people of India… they did not bow down, did not break down and did not accept any compromise with democracy. Finally, the people at large won – the Emergency was lifted and those who imposed the Emergency were defeated,” said the PM.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, which was observed recently as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day), Modi emphasised the importance of remembering those who fought to uphold democratic values.
"Just a few days ago, the imposition of Emergency on the country completed its 50 years. We countrymen have observed the 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. We should always remember all those people who fought the Emergency with fortitude," said the PM.
“This inspires us to remain constantly vigilant to keep our Constitution strong and enduring,” he added.
