During the 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly criticized the Congress party, remarking that those who imposed the Emergency not only destroyed democracy but also sought to make the judiciary their puppet.
Reflecting on the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, Modi called it one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy. “George Fernandes was shackled, students were silenced, and arbitrary arrests under MISA became common. People were tortured, but the nation stood firm. Ultimately, the public prevailed, and the Emergency was revoked,” he said.
The prime minister noted that thousands endured inhumane treatment, yet did not compromise on democratic values. “Indians refused to bow down,” he added.
Modi also played excerpts of speeches by former prime ministers Morarji Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and former deputy PM Jagjivan Ram, highlighting their resistance during the Emergency.
He emphasized that the recent observance of the Emergency’s 50th anniversary as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) serves as a reminder to honor those who resisted it.
Earlier in the week, the Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, adopted a resolution paying tribute to those who valiantly opposed the Emergency and endured “unimaginable horrors.”
In a series of posts on X, Modi described the Emergency as the “darkest chapter of Indian democracy” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding constitutional values and resisting any efforts to undermine them.
The resolution acknowledges 2025 as the 50th anniversary of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, marking a pivotal moment when the Constitution was undermined, and the democratic spirit of the republic came under attack.