'Democracy Under Arrest!': Prime Minister Modi Slams Congress On 50th Anniversary Of 1975 Emergency

Describing it as among the darkest moments in India's democratic journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (25 June) said the imposition of the Emergency by Congress not only violated the spirit of the Constitution but also placed the “democracy under arrest".

In a series of posts on X on the 50th year of the Emergency— which is being commemorated by the Centre as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas— PM Modi said Indians would never forget how Parliament was silenced and attempts were made to control the judiciary.

"On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished and several political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens were jailed. It was as if the Congress government placed democracy under arrest!" PM Modi said.

The Emergency, imposed by then PM Indira Gandhi from June 1975 to March 1977, led to a total suspension of civil liberties, widespread arrests of opposition leaders, and a crackdown on freedom of the press.

The clampdown followed widespread protests against Congress rule and the Allahabad High Court ruling Gandhi's election from Raebareli void.

PM Modi flagged the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1976, which introduced sweeping changes to centralise power and limit judicial oversight, India Today reported.

"No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans. The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted," he said.

Hailing the people "who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency", PM Modi said their collective struggle ensured that the then Congress government had to call for fresh elections, which they badly lost.

The 1977 elections saw Indira Gandhi’s defeat, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

"We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat," PM Modi said.

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