Emergency India's 'dark period', salute who resisted it, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday recalled the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi 43 years ago in 1975, saying that it was a “dark period” of Indian history during which every institution was subverted.

Modi took to Twitter to hail the courage of people who fought against the Emergency and ensured the people’s power prevail over authoritarianism.

“India remembers the Emergency as a dark period during which every institution was subverted and an atmosphere of fear was created. I salute the courage of all those great women and men who steadfastly resisted the Emergency.” Modi added, “Their struggles ensured people power prevailed over authoritarianism and the stifling of civil liberties.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday observed “black day” against the Emergency, which was declared on June 25, 1975, by then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

However, while the BJP was observing “black day” against Emergency imposed 43 years ago, its top leader and former Rajasthan minister Ghanshyam Tiwari quit the party, citing “undeclared emergency” in the country.

“Though imposing emergency is now not possible, it is worth mentioning that the country is going through a phase of undeclared emergency for the last four years,” Tiwari said during a press conference in Jaipur.

He said that he witnessed both the phases – Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi’s rule and “undeclared Emergency” during Narendra Modi’s rule – and the latter was more dangerous.

“Undeclared Emergency is more dangerous than the actual Emergency. I have witnessed both the phases and I am tendering my resignation from the party (BJP) to fight against it,” Tiwari added.