New Delhi, June 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked the 51st anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975 and described it as the “darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy”, while urging citizens to remember the period and defend democratic values.
In a social media post commemorating the anniversary, the Prime Minister criticised the Emergency period and said civil liberties, political opposition and institutional independence were affected during that phase.
PM Modi Recalls Emergency Period
The Prime Minister stated that opposition leaders were arrested and political dissent was suppressed during the Emergency.
He said writers, journalists, social workers, students and citizens faced restrictions and detention. He also alleged that attempts were made to weaken institutional independence and restrict media functioning.
According to the Prime Minister, Parliament functioned with limited opposition during the period and democratic institutions faced pressure.
PM Modi also paid tribute to individuals and groups who opposed the Emergency and participated in movements to restore democratic processes.
He said people from different backgrounds came together to protect constitutional values and noted that he had participated in the anti Emergency movement.
Referring to the political developments that followed, the Prime Minister said elections were later conducted and the government that imposed the Emergency was voted out.
The remarks formed part of the Centre’s observance of the anniversary of the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975.
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