BJP leader Ghulam Ali Khatana terms emergency as “dark chapter” of India’s democratic history

Srinagar, June 25: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member, Ghulam Ali Khatana today stated that imposition of emergency on June 25, 1975 was blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom and democratic rights in the country. He was addressing a press conference at BJP headquarters here in Srinagar, to mark Emergency Day as a solemn reminder of the dark chapter in India’s democratic history.

BJP leader Khatana recalled the imposition of the emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which lasted for 21 months and stated it saw a blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic rights.

He termed it as the “blackest period in independent India” and paid tribute to all those who resisted authoritarian rule and sacrificed their freedom to uphold the Constitution and democratic values.

"The Emergency was a direct attack on the soul of our democracy. It is our duty to remind the new generations of this betrayal of constitutional governance," Khatana said.

"Today, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens, as envisioned by our Constitution makers."

MP Khatana emphasized the role of BJP as the true guardian of democracy, tracing its ideological lineage to the Jana Sangh, which was at the forefront of the resistance movement during the Emergency. He also lauded the sacrifices made by thousands of party workers, social activists, and opposition leaders who were jailed, tortured, and silenced during this period.

He further added that the observance of Emergency Day is not just an act of remembrance but also a warning against any future attempts to undermine democracy.