Chandigarh, Jun 24 (PTI) BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Wednesday said the Emergency imposed by the Congress government in 1975 was one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history and urged the younger generation to learn about its impact on democratic institutions and civil liberties.
Addressing a press conference on “51st Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” at the BJP office here, Tandon alleged that the Congress government led by then prime minister Indira Gandhi weakened democratic institutions and curtailed constitutional freedoms during the Emergency.
He referred to the June 12, 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict setting aside Indira Gandhi’s election and claimed that instead of accepting the judicial process, efforts were made to amend constitutional provisions and shield key constitutional offices from judicial scrutiny.
The former BJP Chandigarh president said the Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975 under Article 352 of the Constitution at a time when the country was witnessing widespread protests against corruption and misgovernance, including the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan.
He alleged that the Congress government responded by suppressing dissent, imposing press censorship and arresting thousands of opposition leaders, activists and citizens under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
The BJP leader also referred to controversies surrounding constitutional amendments, judicial functioning and forced sterilisation drives during the Emergency period.
He said the Emergency highlighted the dangers of concentration of power and served as a reminder of the need to protect democratic institutions, constitutional values and civil liberties.
Tandon urged the media to present the historical significance of the Emergency in an objective manner so that younger generations could understand the importance of safeguarding democracy and constitutional freedoms. PTI VSD KSS KSS
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