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Key Points

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy labeled the 1975 Emergency as India's first assault on democracy under Indira Gandhi. BJP leaders Basavaraj Bommai and Tejasvi Surya echoed the sentiment, calling it a dark chapter. The Emergency crushed democratic aspirations and civil liberties for 21 months. Leaders urged remembering the struggle to protect constitutional values.

Key Points: Kumaraswamy Calls Indira Gandhi Emergency First Assault on India

  • Kumaraswamy condemns Emergency as anti-national act
  • BJP leaders call it a dark chapter in democracy
  • Emergency imposed 50 years ago by Indira Gandhi
  • Leaders urge safeguarding democratic values
2 min read

Emergency marked first ever assault on soul of India: Union Minister Kumaraswamy

Union Minister Kumaraswamy marks 50 years of Emergency, calling it India's first democratic assault under Indira Gandhi's rule.

Emergency marked first ever assault on soul of India: Union Minister Kumaraswamy
"It marked the first ever assault on the soul of India and a brutal suppression of democracy. – H.D. Kumaraswamy"

Bengaluru, June 25

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy stated on Wednesday that the imposition of emergency by former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi was the first ever assault on the soul of India.

Commenting on social media X, Kumaraswamy stated, "It has been 50 years since the dark days of the Emergency. It marked the first ever assault on the soul of India and a brutal suppression of democracy. Half a century has passed since that anti-national act."

At a time when the seeds of freedom were beginning to bear the fruits of a great democratic tree, the then Prime Minister brought a disruptive twist to the Constitution through an anti-people decision that the nation condemned then - and must continue to condemn even today, Kumaraswamy stated.

On June 25, 1975, democracy and the hopes and aspirations of all Indians were crushed. The Congress government led by former PM late Indira Gandhi left a black mark on the glorious history of India, Kumaraswamy noted.

"Democracy means the rule of the people. It is the unique principle of self-governance. Such a noble ideal must never again be violated," he emphasised.

He said that democracy is not just a system -- it is a value, an ideal, a self-belief, a great tradition. "Let us all take a pledge to uphold and protect the values of democracy," Kumaraswamy stated.

Former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai stated, "The Emergency was a black mark on India’s democratic system. The imposition of the Emergency remains a dark chapter in the nation's history."

During that period, the people of India demonstrated that they could unite and resist -- socially, culturally, and beyond party lines -- to safeguard democracy, Bommai stated.

"Let us remember and pay tribute to the seniors who fought against the Emergency," he underlined.

The National President of BJP Yuva Morcha and BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, stated, "Today marks 50 years of Emergency, one of the darkest chapters in Independent India's history. From political vendetta against opposition to the suppression of civil liberties and intimidation of judicial officers - the entire nation was a victim of Indira Gandhi's authoritarianism."

Bharat will never forget the suffering of common citizens, nor forgive the Congress party for its brutal assault on the Constitution, Surya stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Emergency was indeed a dark phase, but let's not forget India's resilience. Our democracy bounced back stronger! The real tribute would be ensuring such authoritarianism never returns, regardless of which party is in power. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While Emergency was wrong, today's selective outrage is concerning. All parties must introspect - democracy is eroded slowly through everyday suppression of dissent, not just during emergencies. Let's protect constitutional values every day!
A
Arjun S.
My grandfather was jailed during Emergency for writing against the government. His stories make me value our freedoms today. But are we truly free when journalists still face pressure? Democracy needs constant vigilance.
S
Sneha R.
Why only blame Congress now? Every party in power tries to suppress opposition voices in some way. Emergency was extreme, but current governments also misuse agencies. Democracy is about fair play from all sides.
V
Vikram J.
Emergency memories should unite us, not divide. India's strength is in its democratic institutions. Instead of political point-scoring, let's focus on strengthening RTI, judiciary and free press - the real safeguards against authoritarianism.
N
Neeta P.
As someone who lived through Emergency, I see worrying parallels today - media self-censorship, opposition voices being silenced. History lessons are useless if we don't learn from them. Democracy is more than just elections!
K
Karan D.
Respectfully, while Emergency was wrong, India made progress in many areas during that time. We must condemn the authoritarianism but also acknowledge that complex periods

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