June 26th 2024.
New Delhi: The newly elected Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, caused quite a stir on Wednesday by addressing a resolution that condemned the imposition of Emergency by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This act sparked heated protests from members of the Congress party in the House.
Birla reminded the House that it was on June 26, 1975, when the nation was jolted awake by the harsh realities of Emergency. The Congress government, at that time, had imprisoned opposition leaders, imposed strict restrictions on media, and encroached on the autonomy of the judiciary.
"As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, the 18th Lok Sabha stands firm in its commitment to uphold, protect, and preserve the Constitution, crafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar," Birla stated, while opposition members, mostly from the Congress, raised slogans in protest against the mention of Emergency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Speaker's mention of Emergency in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing its significance for today's youth. He stated that this period serves as a "fitting example" of the consequences when the Constitution is disregarded, public opinion is suppressed, and institutions are destroyed.
"The events during the Emergency exemplified the characteristics of a dictatorship," Modi added.
As Congress members chanted slogans against the mention of Emergency in the Lok Sabha, BJP MPs gathered in large numbers on the steps of the Parliament building to protest against the suspension of civil liberties 49 years ago.
"India has always stood for democratic values and encouraged open discussions and debates. However, during Indira Gandhi's rule, India faced dictatorship, with democratic values being crushed and freedom of expression stifled," Birla expressed in the resolution.
"This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. We applaud the determination of all those who opposed the Emergency and fought to protect India's democracy," he continued, amidst loud protests from opposition parties.
Birla also highlighted the significance of June 25, 1975, as a dark chapter in India's history. On this day, Indira Gandhi declared Emergency and attacked the Constitution, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar.
"At that time, opposition leaders were imprisoned, and the entire nation was turned into a prison. The dictatorial government imposed strict restrictions on the media and encroached on the autonomy of the judiciary," Birla added.
He also pointed out Indira Gandhi's reference to a "committed bureaucracy and judiciary," which reflected her anti-democratic attitude.
The Emergency brought with it repressive and authoritarian policies that severely impacted the lives of the underprivileged, including the poor and Dalits, Birla stated.
"During the Emergency, people were subjected to forced sterilization, arbitrary removal of encroachments in cities, and other unjust government policies. This House expresses its condolences to all those who suffered during that time," Birla concluded.
PTI
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