The 49th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leveraging it as a political tool like never before. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address before the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, reignited memories of the Emergency. The day was marked with anecdotes and solemn tributes, painting a vivid picture of that period’s historical significance and atrocities. Speaker Om Birla went a step further by requesting a two-minute silence to honor the “victims” of the Emergency, branding it as the darkest chapter in India’s democratic history.
“Proclamation of Emergency on June 25, 1975, was the darkest chapter of direct attack on the Constitution,” said Speaker Om Birla. “Constitution is not just a medium of governance but something that must be embedded into public consciousness.”
The BJP, seizing the moment, organized a protest outside Parliament, brandishing placards against the Congress soon after the day’s proceedings were adjourned. This orchestrated sequence of events raises an important question: Was this merely a commemoration, or was there a more profound strategy at play, particularly in the wake of the recent election outcomes?
A prevailing theory suggests that the BJP’s ‘Emergency campaign’ was a calculated move to counter the Congress and the INDIA bloc’s narrative that Prime Minister Modi is a threat to democracy. This narrative had gained traction during the Lok Sabha elections, contributing to the BJP falling short of a majority. Even NDA allies, such as Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, acknowledged the effectiveness of the Opposition’s campaign.
The BJP’s strategy, therefore, appears to be a counteroffensive, leveraging the anniversary of the Emergency to its maximum potential. By repeatedly highlighting the Congress’s past, the BJP aims to refute the Opposition’s claims and remind the public of the Congress’s undemocratic actions during the Emergency.
The BJP’s approach is multifaceted. It seeks to discredit the Congress by reviving memories of the Emergency, suggesting that the tendency to undermine democracy remains inherent in Congress leaders. This tactic not only deflects attention from current issues but also reinforces the BJP’s image as the protector of democratic values.
However, the BJP’s reliance on historical events like the Emergency raises questions about its ability to address contemporary issues. While the Congress’s ‘Constitution in danger’ campaign has resonated with some voters, leading to doubts about PM Modi’s leadership, the BJP must now focus on current governance challenges.
Economic issues, education, employment, infrastructure, and controversies like the NEET paper leak are pressing concerns that require immediate attention. The BJP cannot perpetually deflect criticism by harking back to the Emergency. Moreover, attempts by Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor to contextualize the Emergency as a constitutionally permissible action, albeit undemocratic, provide the BJP with further ammunition for attack.
For the Congress, the Emergency remains a significant vulnerability, akin to Kryptonite for Superman. The BJP’s continued focus on this period serves multiple political objectives: countering the Opposition’s narrative, reaffirming its democratic credentials, and keeping the Congress on the defensive. Yet, this strategy has its limits.
The BJP must recognize that the political landscape has evolved. The Opposition is now stronger and more united than it has been in the past decade. To maintain its political dominance, the BJP must address the issues raised by the Opposition and engage in constructive debates. Accountability and transparency in governance will be crucial in winning public trust.
In conclusion, while the BJP’s revival of the Emergency narrative serves its immediate political objectives, it must pivot towards addressing contemporary issues and fostering a healthy democratic environment. Failure to adapt to the current political dynamics may see the resurgence of the Opposition, much like Superman rising against his Kryptonite.
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