'Sin Of Imposing Emergency Is Congress' Indelible Legacy': Key Highlights of PM Modi's Speech In Lok Sabha Constitution Debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (14 December) said that India’s constitution has brought India so far proving the naysayers wrong. 

PM Modi's remarks came during the special discussion on 75th anniversary of adoption of Constitution in Lok Sabha.

He thanked crores of Indians and said the constitution makers didn’t believe that democracy was born in India after Independence.

Here are the key highlights of PM Modi's speech:

India’s Constitution: A Legacy of Democracy

Prime Minister Modi praised the makers of the Constitution for recognising India’s ancient democratic traditions.

“The makers of the Constitution did not believe that India or its democracy was born in 1947. They were deeply aware of the nation's ancient cultural heritage,” he said, describing India as the “mother of democracy.”

Women at the Centre of Development

PM Modi highlighted India’s progress in women-led development, referring to President Droupadi Murmu as a symbol of inclusivity.

“Today, women are at the centre of every major policy decision. It is significant that the head of our country, President Murmu, is a tribal woman,” he said.

He noted the growing participation of women in all sectors, including in Parliament, and the global recognition of this during the G20 summit.

Unity: A Cornerstone for Growth

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of unity for achieving development milestones.

“India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy. When we celebrate 100 years of Independence, we will ensure that the country becomes ‘Viksit Bharat’,” he said.

Initiatives like the revocation of Article 370, ‘One Nation, One Grid,’ and Ayushman Bharat were highlighted as steps toward fostering national unity.

Emergency and the Congress Legacy

PM Modi took aim at Congress for imposing the Emergency in 1975, during which constitutional rights were suspended, and democratic values were trampled.

“The sin of Emergency can never be erased from Congress’ legacy,” he remarked.

He added that citizens were jailed, media freedom was curtailed, and judiciary independence was undermined during this period.

Shah Bano Case and Judicial Overreach

Referring to the Shah Bano case, PM Modi criticised Congress for overturning a Supreme Court ruling to appease vote banks.

“Rajiv Gandhi disregarded Supreme Court’s order given in favour of Shah Bano, and instead followed vote-bank politics,” he said, adding that such actions hurt constitutional principles like equality.

Section 35A and Article 370

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Congress government introduced Section 35A without Parliament’s approval, which undermined the democratic process.

He credited the revocation of Article 370 as a decisive step in fostering national integration and unity.

Technology and Development

Highlighting the government’s efforts to democratise technology, Modi said, “We have taken optical fibre to all panchayats. Times have changed, and we have accordingly democratised technology as well.”

He also mentioned initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, ‘One Nation, One Health Card,’ and ‘One Nation, One Grid’ as transformative steps.

Congress' Disregard for Dr Ambedkar

Modi accused Congress of disrespecting Dr B R Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing out delays in memorial projects.

“When Atalji was in power, the government decided to honour him with a memorial, but the UPA ensured that the project does not go ahead. When we came to power in 2014, we ensured that the memorial is built on Alipore Road,” he said.

Constitution and the Gandhi Family

PM Modi criticised the Congress for prioritising one family’s interests over constitutional principles.

“One family of Congress has done everything to hurt the Constitution… this family has always challenged the Constitution,” he said.

He referred to instances like appointing an unconstitutional advisory council above the Prime Minister and overriding cabinet decisions, saying, “This habit of hurting the Constitution was deeply rooted.”

Also Read: Paradip And Kandla Ports Cross 100 Million Tonnes Cargo Handling Milestone In FY24, Set Sights On 150 MT Mark