In a stark rebuke, the Indian National Congress (INC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of an “Undeclared Emergency,” marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency. The accusation comes as the nation reflects on a dark chapter in its history, a period when democratic freedoms were curtailed under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Jairam Ramesh, Member of Rajya Sabha, made the allegations public via a post on platform X, accompanied by images of the party’s declaration. The Congress has accused the BJP government of suppressing dissent, undermining institutions, and stifling freedom of speech and press, among other charges.
The BJP, in response, has maintained its stance that the day will be observed as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Murder of the Constitution Day), emphasizing the need to protect and uphold the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
This allegation comes at a time when the BJP and Congress have been locked in a fierce political battle, with the former ruling at the center and the latter in opposition in several states. The parties have been engaging in heated debates over various issues, from economic policies to national security.
The 1975 Emergency, which lasted for 21 months, was a period when the Indira Gandhi government suspended fundamental rights, censored the press, and detained thousands of political opponents. The event is widely regarded as one of the darkest periods in India’s democratic history.
The INC’s accusation has sparked a nationwide debate, with many questioning the state of Indian democracy under the current BJP government. Meanwhile, the BJP has denied the allegations, reiterating its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The controversy unfolds in the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between the central government and various institutions such as the judiciary and the Election Commission. Critics have accused the BJP government of trying to undermine these institutions, a charge the government has denied.
The Indian National Congress has announced plans to organize events across the country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency and to remind citizens of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democracy. The BJP, on the other hand, has maintained that it is committed to upholding democratic values and protecting the Constitution.
