Tripura CM Manik Saha calls the 1975 Emergency a direct attack on India’s Constitution and democracy during a BJP event. He urges youth to remember the black days, citing misuse of power and arrests. The Mock Parliament aims to educate the next generation on India’s democratic challenges.
Address during a Mock Parliament session organized by the BJP Mahila Morcha, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha strongly condemned the imposition of Emergency in 1975 by the then Congress-led central government, labeling it as a direct assault on the Indian Constitution and democracy. Speaking at the Muktadhara Auditorium, Dr. Saha reflected on the period between 1975 and 1977 as a “black chapter” in India’s democratic history, urging citizens—especially the younger generation—not to forget the “Black Days” of Emergency.
Dr. Saha emphasized the need to remember the sacrifices made and the pain endured during that period. “We forgot so many things. Especially the days of sorrow—we forgot. A person can’t live keeping sorrowful days in memories,” he stated, highlighting how history often fades but must be actively remembered, especially when democracy was under threat.
Recounting the political events leading to the declaration of Emergency, Dr. Saha explained that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had won the 1971 election from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. However, her victory was challenged by her opponent Raj Narain in the Allahabad High Court. Raj Narain alleged misuse of government machinery and irregularities during the election campaign, particularly the involvement of a gazetted officer as Gandhi’s election agent.
Dr. Saha elaborated that on June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court declared Indira Gandhi’s election null and void. Gandhi then approached the Supreme Court, where Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer ruled that while she could remain Prime Minister, she was barred from voting or holding any government post. According to Dr. Saha, this verdict led to political turmoil and prompted Gandhi to consult the then West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray, a renowned barrister. Following this, under pressure, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the declaration of Emergency in 1975.
“The Emergency was declared—a black day in Indian history,” Dr. Saha remarked. “It was a direct attack on the Indian Constitution. We have seen how democracy was killed during the Congress regime.”
He recalled the misuse of the draconian Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during that time, stating that many were wrongfully arrested, including journalists. In Tripura, under the leadership of then Chief Minister Sukhamoy Sengupta, houses were vandalized, protests were suppressed, and freedom of the press was severely curtailed.
Dr. Saha stressed the importance of the Mock Parliament in educating young citizens about these dark times. “This initiative is not just symbolic. It is to make the younger generations aware of this black day and to discuss and understand its implications. They will further carry this awareness to the people.”
He further contrasted the past with the present governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that “Now we are seeing what development truly means. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working to protect the Constitution and democratic values.”
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The event saw the presence of several key BJP leaders including BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, BJP general secretary Bhagaban Das, and BJP Mahila Morcha state president Mimi Majumder. All leaders echoed the sentiment of upholding constitutional values and remembering the sacrifices made during the Emergency period.
The event served not only as a remembrance but also as a platform to highlight the importance of democratic processes, civil liberties, and the resilience of India’s Constitution.
