‘Never Forgive, Never Forget’: PM Modi Marks Emergency Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 51st anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975, calling it a ‘grave sin’ and the ‘darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy’, and urged citizens to ‘Never Forgive. Never Forget’ those responsible.

In a post on Instagram titled ’51st Anniversary of the Emergency – know why it remains the darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy’, the Prime Minister said the period witnessed widespread suppression of civil liberties and democratic institutions.

PM Modi said authorities arrested opposition leaders, crushed political dissent, and jailed citizens from all walks of life, including journalists, writers, students, and social workers, and allegedly tortured them. He also said authorities undermined the Constitution and attempted to bring the judiciary under political control.

The Prime Minister further said authorities curtailed media freedom, shut down outlets or intimidated them, and suspended fundamental rights. He added that authorities reduced Parliament to a ‘rubber stamp’ and turned institutions meant to protect citizens against them.

PM Modi highlighted the role of those who resisted the Emergency, saying people across ideologies came together to defend democratic values at great personal cost. He also noted that he participated in the anti-Emergency movement.

PM Narendra Modi said the mass resistance eventually forced the government to lift the Emergency and hold elections, which resulted in its defeat.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Emergency remains a permanent reminder of democratic excesses and urged citizens to remember those who fought to preserve constitutional values, stating, ‘Never Forgive. Never Forget’.

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