Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accusing her of attempting to dismantle the foundation of Indian democracy during the Emergency declared in 1975.
“50 years ago, an attempt was made to end democracy in this country. By imposing Emergency, Indira Gandhi not only put all opposition leaders in jail, but also changed the Constitution in such a way that the fundamental rights given by Baba Saheb Ambedkar were abolished,” said Fadnavis during a public address.
He emphasised the scale of the democratic crisis during the 21-month Emergency and paid tribute to those who resisted it. “Indira Gandhi tried to end India's democracy, but democracy warriors fought such a battle that India's democracy was saved,” he added.
The Emergency period, which began on June 25, 1975, saw mass arrests of political opponents, censorship of the press, and sweeping constitutional amendments.
