Tripura CM Manik Saha denounced the 1975 Emergency as an era of anarchism, recalling its impact on democracy, press freedom, and civil rights. Addressing a Mock Parliament, he stressed the importance of remembering this dark chapter to protect constitutional values. The BJP marked it as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.”
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has strongly condemned the 21-month-long Emergency period imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, calling it an “era of anarchism” that threatened the very foundation of Indian democracy.
While addressing a ‘Mock Parliament on the Dark Days of Emergency’ organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Chief Minister Saha said the Emergency was a time when democratic values were completely suspended, and the country witnessed an unprecedented attack on civil liberties, press freedom, and constitutional integrity.
“The Emergency was declared under Article 352 of the Constitution, but in effect, it unleashed a dark period where the voice of the people was silenced, opposition leaders were jailed, media was censored, and even Congress leaders who spoke out were detained under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act),” Dr. Saha said.
He remarked that Indira Gandhi’s government not only targeted opposition leaders but also turned against members of her own party who dared to question the regime. “Many editors and journalists were arrested for simply voicing criticism against the Emergency,” he added. “We hope such an undemocratic and dark period never returns again.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Emergency must be remembered as a cautionary tale and taught to the younger generations so they understand the significance of democratic rights and constitutional safeguards. Highlighting the purpose of the programme, Saha said that the BJP and its youth wing have organized similar ‘Mock Parliament’ debates at over 100 locations across India as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the Emergency.
As part of a nationwide initiative, the BJP observed “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” or “Murder of Constitution Day” across Tripura on Wednesday, marking 50 years since the declaration of Emergency. The state-level event included seminars, debates, and public discussions involving party members and youth activists aimed at revisiting the consequences of that period.
Dr. Saha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for revitalizing democratic values and strengthening constitutional institutions since assuming office. “After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the protection of democracy has been further strengthened, and the values of the Indian Constitution have been upheld,” he asserted.
Reiterating that the Emergency era was one of the darkest chapters in India’s post-independence history, he noted how the fundamental rights of citizens were suspended, courts were silenced, and the media was controlled through strict censorship. “Citizens were deprived of their basic rights. Even the judiciary lost its independence during those 21 months,” he said.
State BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee and several other senior leaders also spoke at the event, drawing attention to the lasting consequences of the Emergency and underscoring the need to prevent similar violations in the future.
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The ‘Mock Parliament’ session saw youth members from the BJP engage in a structured debate that reflected the political atmosphere of the Emergency era. The event sought to educate the young participants about the suppression of democratic rights and the importance of safeguarding them through active civic participation and awareness.
As India observes the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Emergency, the BJP is using the occasion to reemphasize the contrast between that era and the current state of democratic governance under the Modi-led administration. Dr. Saha concluded by urging citizens, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and cherish the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
