Amit Shah Reflects on Emergency's Impact on Indian Democracy

The Emergency Period in India

The Emergency in India lasted for 21 months from 1975 to 1977, a time when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency citing internal and external threats. On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah remarked that the Emergency imposed 50 years ago shook the foundations of democracy, but India has since recovered from that dark chapter, asserting that the nation never succumbs to dictatorship.

Criticism of the Opposition

Shah directed his criticism towards the opposition, particularly the Congress party, accusing them of undermining the sanctity of the Constitution. He challenged party leaders to clarify whether they were defenders or destroyers of the Constitution during the Emergency.

Amit Shah's Statements on the Emergency

On Wednesday, Shah stated that the Emergency was not a national necessity but rather a reflection of the Congress party's anti-democratic mindset, specifically referencing Indira Gandhi's government, which declared the Emergency on June 25, 1975. While paying tribute to the victims of the Emergency, he emphasized that this day serves as a reminder that when power turns dictatorial, the people possess the strength to overthrow it.

The Legacy of the Emergency

Shah described the Emergency as a manifestation of the Congress party's hunger for power. He noted that the Modi government has designated this day as 'Constitution Martyrdom Day' to ensure that the suffering endured by citizens during that time is recognized by future generations. He expressed that the Emergency suppressed press freedom, shackled the judiciary, and imprisoned social activists.

Call to Remember the Struggle

He stated, 'The citizens of the country raised the clarion call to 'vacate the throne' and ousted the dictatorial Congress.' Shah paid heartfelt tribute to all those who sacrificed during this struggle. Last year, he announced that the Modi government would observe June 25 as Constitution Martyrdom Day to honor the significant contributions of those who suffered during this period. He added that commemorating this day would help ignite the eternal flame of personal freedom and democracy in every Indian, preventing the recurrence of atrocities by dictatorial forces like the Congress.