NewKerala.com

Key Points

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi labeled the Emergency as India's darkest chapter while speaking at its 50th anniversary event. He honored 108 democracy fighters with pensions and healthcare benefits. The CM recalled how leaders like Vajpayee and Advani were jailed for opposing Indira Gandhi's regime. A year-long national campaign will educate new generations about this constitutional crisis.

Key Points: Odisha CM Majhi Calls Emergency India's Darkest Chapter on 50th Anniversary

  • Majhi terms Emergency as darkest phase in independent India
  • Honors 108 democracy defenders with pensions
  • Recalls arrests of Vajpayee, Advani, Odisha leaders
  • Announces year-long awareness campaign till 2026
2 min read

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi terms Emergency 'darkest chapter' of Indian history

Odisha CM Majhi honors democracy defenders, recalls media crackdown & BJP's resistance during Emergency on its 50th anniversary.

"People had only two options, either go to jail or shut down their newspapers if they opposed the government – CM Mohan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, June 25

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday called the Emergency period (1975-77) as the darkest chapter in the history of Independent India.

CM Majhi made the statement while attending a special event, ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’, held at the Railway Auditorium here on Wednesday, marking the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in India on June 25, 1975.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that none can forget the suppression of civil liberties and the crackdown on the media during the Emergency period.

He further stated that 'this day is observed to raise widespread awareness against dictatorial rule that plagued our nation during that time'.

Majhi added that the Central government has decided to hold a year-long nationwide campaign to let the memories of this darkest chapter reach the new generations. This campaign will conclude on June 25, 2026.

Recalling the Emergency, the Chief Minister highlighted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (then Jan Sangh's) unwavering fight to protect the Constitution and the fundamental rights of citizens.

“Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani among several other veteran political leaders of the country were imprisoned. Such was the prosecution that, People had only two options, either go to jail or to shut down their newspapers, if they opposed the government. Many didn’t want to shut down their newspapers while those, who refused to bow down, were compelled to go to jail,” noted Majhi.

“Around 10,000 journalists were jailed. Even in our Odisha, prominent leaders like Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Patnaik, and Biswa Bhusan Harichandan were arrested. Several of our Loktantra Senanis (Democratic Soldiers) present here today know the torture inflicted on them in the jails and how they were detained unlawfully for months without trial misusing the MISA,” he further added.

CM Majhi honoured 108 'democracy defenders' present at the ceremony and expressed his government’s commitment to recognising their sacrifice.

“After coming to power, we decided to honour the democracy defenders with monthly pensions of Rs 20,000 and healthcare facilities. So far, pensions have been approved for 56 persons, and the process is ongoing for the rest,” he said, assuring timely disbursal.

He affirmed that just like freedom fighters, the Loktantra Senanis will be offered due respect and recognition for upholding constitutional values during turbulent times.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Emergency was indeed a black mark on our democracy. Young Indians today must know how fragile our freedoms can be. Kudos to CM Majhi for honoring the Loktantra Senanis. We should never take our constitutional rights for granted. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While Emergency was wrong, I wish our leaders would focus equally on current threats to democracy - like media intimidation and misuse of investigative agencies. History lessons are important, but so is protecting democracy today.
A
Arjun S.
My grandfather was jailed during Emergency for organizing student protests in Cuttack. He never talked much about it, saying "the trauma wasn't worth remembering". Glad this generation is finally getting recognition. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
₹20,000 pension is a good gesture, but is it enough for those who suffered? Many lost careers, health, and years of their lives. The government should also help their families with education and employment opportunities.
V
Vikram P.
Why only BJP leaders being highlighted? Many Congress leaders also opposed Emergency from within their party. Democracy defenders came from all political backgrounds. Let's give credit where it's due, beyond party lines.
M
Meena T.
As someone born after Emergency, I only knew textbook versions. Hearing personal stories today gave me goosebumps 😢 We must document these oral histories before they're lost forever. Maybe schools should invite these heroes to share experiences.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50