Delhi BJP chief to lead events to observe Emergency Black Day
New Delhi, June 22
The Delhi BJP will observe Emergency Black Day on June 25 and hold a public awareness meeting on Friday to remind the current generations about the horrors of the dark phase in Indian democracy, a party leader said.
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra said that since its inception in 1980, the BJP has been organising an anti-Emergency public awareness meeting every year on June 25. However, this year the meeting will be organised on June 26.
"This year, the meeting will be held on June 26 at 11 a.m. at the NDMC Convention Centre, Jantar Mantar," he said.
A BJP leader said on June 25, 1975, that the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, to remain in power, declared a state of Emergency in the country.
The act violated the fundamental rights of both political activists and ordinary citizens and resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of thousands of people under various sections, including MISA.
The 21 months were known for forced mass sterilisation, press censorship, suspension of Constitutional rights and centralisation of power.
To make this meeting successful, the Delhi BJP President has formed a three-member team which includes MP Yogendra Chandolia, former Youth Front President Dharamveer Sharma and former District President Devendra Solanki, who will invite the Emergency prisoners shifted to Delhi as well as Delhi NCR and felicitate them in a public programme.
Those who were detained during the Emergency would also be honoured at the event, said a BJP leader.
"This day in 1975, the then Congress government assassinated democracy, and this history should be known to our youth and future generations," he said.
Last year, the then Delhi BJP President inaugurated a photo exhibition by the party's Yuva Morcha at Connaught Place, depicting the atrocities committed during the Emergency. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also visited the exhibition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good that BJP is organizing this. But let's not forget that all parties have had their dark moments. Our youth should know the full truth without any political coloring. Yaar, facts hi facts chahiye.
The Emergency was a dark chapter for sure. I've read about the censorship and arrests. Events like these help educate the next generation. Hope the program doesn't become just political point-scoring though.
Emergency taught us what happens when one person controls everything. But why only BJP remembers this? Congress should also acknowledge and apologize. Double standards se kuch nahi hoga. 😤
My grandparents still talk about those 21 months with fear. The forced sterilizations and press censorship were terrible. Whatever party does it, remembering such things is good. But let's also discuss current issues like rising prices. 🤷♀️
It's concerning that some people try to justify the Emergency even today. Independence of judiciary and free press are non-negotiable. I hope the event includes real stories from survivors, not just political rhetoric.
As a student, I didn't know much about Emergency till I saw a
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.