New Delhi, June 25: Senior BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad addressed a press conference at the BJP headquarters, describing the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, as one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy. He emphasized the importance of recalling how democratic institutions, the Constitution, the judiciary, Parliament, media, and civil rights were treated during that period, especially as the nation marks 50 years since the Emergency.
Prasad noted that while many today advocate for the protection of democracy and the Constitution, it is crucial to educate the younger generation about the events of fifty years ago. He shared his personal experience, stating that he was part of the JP movement and was imprisoned during the Emergency, allowing him to vividly remember those times.
He recounted how then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election from Rae Bareli was annulled by the Allahabad High Court. After appealing to the Supreme Court, she was granted limited relief, as the court allowed her to enter the House but prohibited her from speaking. Prasad asserted that the Emergency was not declared for national security but to preserve Indira Gandhi’s power amid a political crisis.
He highlighted that the formal consent of the central cabinet was not sought before imposing the Emergency. Instead, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was coerced into signing the declaration at midnight, followed by a cabinet meeting to approve it. This led to the mass arrest of opposition leaders.
Prominent opposition figures, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Lal Krishna Advani, were imprisoned. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was banned, and thousands of its activists were arrested.
Prasad claimed that inhumane treatment was meted out to imprisoned leaders and activists. He mentioned that Jayaprakash Narayan was confined in a guest house in Haryana, where he was denied permission to meet Morarji Desai. Attempts were made to break the spirits of political prisoners both mentally and physically.
He referenced journalist Kumi Kapoor’s book, stating that administrative officials were instructed to keep prisoners in tin-roofed rooms to subject them to heat and discomfort. Allegations of torture against political prisoners were widespread.
Discussing the forced sterilization campaign, Prasad noted that government employees faced pressure to meet sterilization targets, with promotions and benefits tied to these quotas, leading to many being coerced into undergoing the procedure.
He also addressed media restrictions, revealing that the power supply to several major newspapers in Delhi was cut off on the night of June 24 to prevent publication. Censorship was rampant, requiring government approval for any news to be printed.
Prasad mentioned the arrests of senior journalists, including Kuldeep Nayar, and how several newspapers left their editorial columns blank in protest. He quoted Advani’s famous remark about journalists being forced to bow down to authority.
He highlighted the health issues faced by Jayaprakash Narayan, who was denied sunlight while hospitalized in Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital until intervention by senior lawyer Soli Sorabjee allowed him limited exposure.
Prasad asserted that efforts were made to weaken democratic institutions during the Emergency. He pointed out the extension of Parliament’s term from five to six years and the controversial 42nd amendment to the Constitution, all while most opposition leaders were imprisoned and unable to voice their dissent.
He noted that the terms “socialist” and “secular” were added to the Constitution’s preamble during this time. Amendments to the Representation of the People Act were also made to shield Indira Gandhi’s election from legal challenges.
Regarding the judiciary, Prasad acknowledged that several high courts delivered bold judgments to protect civil rights. However, he cited the Supreme Court’s ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla case, where the majority sided with the government, with only Justice H.R. Khanna dissenting in defense of civil liberties. Prasad pointed out that Justice Khanna was not appointed Chief Justice despite his seniority.
He concluded by stating that all pillars of democracy faced pressure during the Emergency. Media censorship, imprisonment of opposition leaders, and the curtailment of civil liberties were rampant, alongside the misuse of constitutional institutions.
Prasad also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in underground movements during the Emergency, highlighting the courage of many activists who fought for the restoration of democracy despite personal risks.
Targeting the Congress party, Prasad urged those who speak of constitutional protection to first answer for the history of the Emergency. He accused Congress of failing to change its political character and attempting to evade the truths of its past.
He reminded that the public responded to the Emergency in the 1977 general elections, where both Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi faced defeat. According to him, this was a testament to the strength of Indian democracy, as the people reclaimed power through democratic means.
Leave a Comment