Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for condemning the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975.
“I am glad that the Honourable Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time, and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.
Om Birla was elected as Lok Sabha Speaker after a motion moved by PM Modi was adopted through a voice vote. Following his election, Birla declared, “This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. We appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought, and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting India’s democracy.” This statement sparked protests from opposition members in the House.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of understanding the Emergency, even though it was imposed nearly 50 years ago. He remarked that the Emergency serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when the Constitution is disregarded, public opinion is suppressed, and institutions are undermined. According to Modi, the events of the Emergency period clearly illustrate the nature of a dictatorship.
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Om Birla characterized June 25, 1975, as a “black chapter” in Indian history, criticizing Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency and “attacking the Constitution crafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar.” He noted that India, globally recognized as the mother of democracy, had its democratic values crushed and freedom of expression strangled during the Emergency.
After urging members to observe a moment of silence, Birla adjourned the House for the day. Following the adjournment, BJP members protested outside Parliament, waving placards and raising slogans.
“It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days,” PM Modi added in his post.
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