'Is the insatiable thirst for power jeopardizing democracy?': A critique by Maha Cong aimed at BJP as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency
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Synopsis
As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal raises concerns over a lasting undeclared Emergency under the BJP. He emphasizes the dangers of unchecked power and the threats to democracy. This article dives deep into the political tensions surrounding this pivotal moment in Indian history.
Key Takeaways
- Indira Gandhi's Emergency was constitutional, but concerns about current governance persist.
- Critics argue that the BJP's actions mirror an undeclared Emergency.
- Government spending on advertisements has raised eyebrows.
- Tributes were paid to those who resisted the Emergency.
- Political tensions continue to escalate between BJP and Congress.
Mumbai, June 25 (NationPress) The president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Harshwardhan Sapkal, remarked on Wednesday that while the imposition of Emergency by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was constitutional, he expressed concern over the ongoing undeclared Emergency that has persisted in the nation for the past 11 years.
During a press conference in Mumbai, Sapkal criticized the BJP, stating, "The Emergency imposed in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was a constitutional measure in response to certain forces attempting to create chaos within the country. Following its lift, elections were conducted, and democratic processes were reinstated.
"Unlike the actions taken during the Emergency, Indira Gandhi did not transfer the country’s assets or privatize public sector enterprises to industrialists. However, for the last 11 years, an undeclared Emergency has been in effect, with airports, ports, mines, banks, and government lands being sold to select industrialists. Today, we witness a dictatorship, and the BJP's insatiable thirst for power is jeopardizing democracy," he added.
He further asserted that the BJP government has spent millions on advertisements related to the Emergency, noting that the national emblem is conspicuously absent, substituted by the Sengol.
"The significance of the Sengol is unmistakable. The BJP aims to dismantle democracy and the Constitution while implementing Golwalkar’s 'Bunch of Thoughts'," alleged Sapkal.
He continued: "Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency due to the circumstances prevailing at that time. She, along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, later acknowledged that certain administrative mistakes were made during that period. Yet, the BJP continues to make a fuss over it."
As the nation reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, which was imposed on June 25, 1975, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution on Wednesday to commemorate those who resisted the subversion of democracy and the Indian Constitution during Indira Gandhi's rule.
The Cabinet also observed a two-minute silence for those who sacrificed their freedoms while opposing the Emergency and endured untold hardships from the autocratic government of that time.
“Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet resolved to honor the sacrifices of numerous individuals who bravely opposed the Emergency and its attempts to undermine the essence of the Indian Constitution, a subversion that began in 1974 with a heavy-handed effort to suppress the Navnirman Andolan and Sampoorna Kranti Abhiyan,” a government statement revealed.
This resolution comes amid a fierce exchange of words between the BJP and Congress regarding the Emergency. The BJP plans to observe the 50th anniversary of the Emergency as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, while Congress deems it a façade to distract from the ruling party's own transgressions.
“The BJP is deliberately staging this drama due to our continuous Samvidhan Bachao campaign, as they possess a guilty conscience,” accused Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, asserting that the government has enforced an ‘undeclared Emergency’ for the last 11 years.
In a media briefing on the Cabinet's resolution regarding the Emergency, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the two-minute silence served as a tribute to those who suffered during the darkest days of Indian democracy.
“The Union Cabinet honored their exemplary courage and unwavering resistance against the excesses of the Emergency,” he emphasized.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the complexities surrounding the Emergency and its implications today. While historical events shape our present, it's essential to remain impartial and focus on how current political dynamics affect the democratic fabric of the nation. The discourse surrounding the Emergency serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Emergency imposed in India?
The Emergency in India refers to the period from 1975 to 1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, suspending fundamental rights and curbing political dissent.
Why is the Congress party criticizing the BJP?
The Congress party criticizes the BJP for what they describe as an ongoing undeclared Emergency, accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic processes and consolidating power.
What is the significance of the Sengol in government advertisements?
The Sengol symbolizes a shift in governance and ideology, with critics alleging that its prominence in government ads signals an attempt to replace democratic values with autocratic principles.
What does the Union Cabinet's resolution signify?
The Union Cabinet's resolution commemorates those who opposed the Emergency, recognizing their sacrifices and emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy.
How has the BJP responded to Congress's claims?
The BJP has labeled Congress's critique as a distraction, declaring their observance of the Emergency's anniversary as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' to highlight their narrative on constitutional integrity.
