Those who imposed Emergency murdered Constitution: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked the Congress while remembering the imposition of Emergency 50 years ago, saying that those who had taken the decision to impose it, ‘murdered’ the Constitution and had the intention of keeping the judiciary as their ‘slave’, however, the resilience of Indian people won and it was lifted.

In his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said, “You can imagine what that period was like. 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 went on to add that: “Many people were subjected to severe torture. Under MISA, anyone could be summarily arrested. Students were harassed too. Freedom of expression was also stifled. Thousands of people who were arrested during that period were subjected to such inhumane atrocities. But it is the strength of the people of India… 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. Babu Jagjivan Ram ji had put forth his views in a very strong manner in this regard”.

Audio clips of former Prime Ministers Morarji Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee as well as Congress leader Jagjivan Ram were also played by Modi during the broadcast, where they could heard hailing the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, where Indira Gandhi-led Congress had lost the elections and the Emergency was lifted after two-and-a-half years.

“Just a few days ago, the imposition of Emergency on the country completed its 50 years… We should always remember all those people who fought the Emergency with fortitude. This inspires us to remain constantly vigilant to keep our Constitution strong and enduring,” Modi said.

India