Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party today, accusing it of misusing the Constitution during the Emergency period and undermining democratic values. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the Constitution, PM Modi reiterated that the Congress “will never be able to erase the taint of Emergency.”
“I expected a good debate on the Constitution, but some decided to grieve their losses,” PM Modi said, taking a swipe at the Opposition. Reflecting on the 75 years of India’s Constitution, the Prime Minister criticized the Congress for what he described as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history.
“When India’s Constitution completed 25 years, it was snatched using Emergency and India was turned into a prison. The rights of citizens were taken away. The Congress can’t wipe off this sin. Whenever a discussion on the Constitution takes place, we will always talk about the Emergency,” PM Modi declared.
PM Shri @narendramodi‘s address during special discussion on 75th anniversary of adoption of Constitution in Lok Sabha.#संविधान_रक्षक_मोदी https://t.co/JzEARk986K
— BJP (@BJP4India) December 14, 2024
He singled out former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accusing her of misusing the Constitution to retain power. “Even Indira Gandhi’s election was declared null and void. Then she invoked Emergency in rage to save her chair. She misused the Constitution,” he said.
Allegations of Injustice During Emergency
PM Modi also spoke about the human rights violations that occurred during the Emergency, which lasted from 1975 to 1977. “It was a time of injustice. Hundreds of people were thrown into jails. The insensitive government did not listen to people,” he remarked, highlighting the suppression of dissent and media censorship during the period.
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The Prime Minister’s critique extended beyond the Emergency, taking aim at Indira Gandhi’s son, Rajiv Gandhi. PM Modi accused Rajiv Gandhi of overturning the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Shah Bano case for political gain. “Instead of helping a woman who was fighting for justice, he supported bad people,” he alleged, referring to the controversial decision to nullify the court’s ruling to appease a section of voters.
He linked these actions to a larger pattern, saying, “Nehru ji started it, Indira ji took it forward, then Rajiv Gandhi also got a taste. The next generation will be the same.”
Critique of the National Advisory Council (NAC)
PM Modi also took a dig at the National Advisory Council (NAC) under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, calling it an unelected body that wielded undue influence. “The NAC comprised unelected members advising the Prime Minister. It undermined the democratic process,” he said.
PM Modi’s sharp remarks underscored his long-standing criticism of the Congress party’s legacy and its handling of key constitutional issues. By revisiting the Emergency and its aftermath, the Prime Minister sought to emphasize the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that such episodes do not recur in Indian history.
