New Delhi [India], June 27 : Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched a sharp attack on the Congress party on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, calling it a stain on democracy and accusing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of murdering the Constitution to retain power.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, Meghwal said that the Emergency era (1975-1977), imposed by Indira Gandhi, must be remembered so that the new generation understands how democracy was suppressed. "Everyone has acknowledged that the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi was a stain on democracy, but the new generation should know how Indira Gandhi murdered the Constitution," said Meghwal.
He stated that fundamental rights were taken away, press freedom was severely curbed, and opposition leaders were jailed without reason.
"Citizens' fundamental rights were snatched away, censorship was imposed on the press, opposition leaders were thrown in jail, no one could speak against Indira Gandhi, is that the era we are in now?" he questioned.
Criticising the Congress, Meghwal took a jibe at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi, suggesting they admired the Emergency era. "If you (the opposition) like such an era, then congratulations to you. Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency to save her chair and power... If Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi like this, then congratulations to them, the country does not like such things," Meghwal said.
He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tried to educate the public about this period through the observance of 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas', saying, "Prime Minister Modi has tried to explain through 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas' that such an era existed."
Earlier in the day, S. Jaishankar also slammed Congress for the Emergency and stated that it happened in the interest of one family was put forward ahead of the interest of the nation.
"The emergency happened because the interest of a family was put ahead of the interests of the nation. Today, the interest of the nation is put first", Jaishankar told reporters.
Furthermore, the EAM took a jibe at the opposition and noted that what "respect" can be seen towards the constitution by those who imposed the Emergency. He stated that nothing will happen by roaming with a copy of the Constitution in hand; it should be respected by heart.
"What respect can you see towards the Constitution by those who are still not apologising for the Emergency? Nothing happens by roaming around with a copy of the Constitution. It should be respected from the heart", S Jaishankar told reporters.