Those who imposed Emergency wanted to enslave judiciary too: PM Modi targets Congress in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted Congress and took a jibe at the opposition during the Mann Ki Baat podcast on Sunday and said those who imposed Emergency murdered the Constitution. 

 

Talking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat podcast, Modi said those who imposed the Emergency also wanted to enslave the judiciary. "Those who imposed Emergency not only murdered our Constitution but also had the intention to keep the judiciary as their slave," Modi said. The prime minister added people were tortured during the Emergency. "During this period, people were tormented on a large scale. There are many such examples of this, which can never be forgotten. George Fernandez Sahib was tied in chains," he added.

 

 

Modi said besides people being tortured, anyone could be arrested under MISA during the Emergency. "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," Modi recollected.

 

The prime minister said it was the will of the people of India which broke the shackles of Emergency. "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," he said. 

 

 

Modi said the country should always remember with fortitude those who fought against Emergency and it "inspires us to remain constantly vigilant to keep our Constitution strong and enduring." Audio clips of speeches of Babu Jagjivan Ram, Morarji Bhai Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee were also played during the podcast.

India