Has BJP Exposed Congress' Hypocrisy on Emergency and Article 356?
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Synopsis
In a bold counterattack, the BJP calls out Congress for its authoritarian past, recalling the 1975 Emergency and the misuse of Article 356. As Congress criticizes Modi's governance, BJP leaders highlight the irony of Congress's current stance on democracy. This political showdown raises critical questions about freedom of speech and governance in India.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP highlights Congress's historical authoritarianism.
- Congress's claims of an 'undeclared Emergency' are met with strong rebuttals.
- Media suppression in Congress-ruled states is a significant issue.
- The political rivalry underscores the importance of accountability.
- Freedom of speech remains a contentious topic in the current political landscape.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) The BJP on Monday flipped the script on the Congress, highlighting the grand old party's claim of an 'undeclared Emergency' as a glaring example of hypocrisy. Celebrating 11 years of the Narendra Modi administration, senior BJP figures criticized the Gandhi family-led party, calling attention to the Congress' own history of authoritarianism—from the 1975 Emergency to the persistent misuse of Article 356.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi spearheaded the critique, accusing Congress of a 'dishonest misrepresentation of facts' and ridiculing its newfound concern for democracy and free expression.
“It is profoundly ironic that a party led by a single family is now discussing democracy and freedom of speech,” Joshi remarked in a post on X.
While Congress sought to depict PM Modi’s 11-year rule as a 'nightmare', the BJP pointed to the ongoing suppression of media in Congress-ruled Karnataka, alleging that the party operates with a 'dictatorial' mindset while masquerading as a pro-democracy entity.
Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh ignited the political debate with a sharp social media post: “Today is May 26, 2025. Today marks the Undeclared Emergency @11.”
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge quickly followed suit, launching a sweeping attack on PM Modi's government record.
“Over 11 years, the Modi government has transformed grand promises into empty rhetoric, leading to such devastation that the promise of 'achche din' has now turned into a nightmare,” Kharge posted in Hindi on X.
In a robust response, the BJP accused Congress of hypocrisy and authoritarian behavior at the state level, particularly in Karnataka. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi wrote on X: “It is profoundly ironic that a party led by a single family is now discussing democracy and freedom of speech.”
He reminded Congress of its past, stating it 'misused Article 356 over a hundred times to destabilize democratically elected governments and declared a national Emergency for personal and political gain in 1975.'
Joshi also highlighted recent occurrences in Karnataka, where the Congress-led government has initiated a defamation suit against the state BJP over its campaign claiming a 'charge sheet about the two-year failure of the state government.'
This campaign reportedly accused the Congress government of corruption and mismanagement.
“Their government in Karnataka has implemented a gag order, eerily reminiscent of Emergency-era tactics. Now, they are targeting and trying to apprehend journalists and news anchors who voice criticism of the party,” Joshi alleged.
In a more pointed assessment, Joshi questioned the Congress' stance on press freedom, writing: “A question troubling me—has Karnataka devolved into a dictatorship akin to Hitler’s era?”
Point of View
I believe it is essential to approach this political discourse with a balanced perspective. Both parties have their share of historical controversies, and it's crucial for the electorate to scrutinize their actions. The ongoing exchange between BJP and Congress highlights the need for transparency and accountability in governance, which remains vital for a healthy democracy.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the BJP's criticism of Congress?
The BJP criticized Congress in response to its claims of an 'undeclared Emergency,' pointing out the irony given Congress's own authoritarian history.
What historical events are referenced by the BJP?
The BJP referenced the 1975 Emergency and the misuse of Article 356 by Congress to recall its authoritarian legacy.
How did Congress respond to BJP's claims?
Congress, through its leaders, accused the Modi government of failing to deliver on its promises, painting it as a 'nightmare' for the country.
What are the implications of this political exchange?
This exchange raises important questions about freedom of speech, governance, and the historical accountability of both parties.
How does this impact public perception?
The back-and-forth may influence public perception regarding the credibility of both parties and their commitment to democratic values.
