New Delhi: On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning the decision and remembering the victims of the period.
The cabinet observed two minutes of silence in memory of those who lost their lives and suffered during the 21-month-long Emergency, which is widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.
Prime Minister Modi also shared his reflections on the period through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Referring to his book “The Emergency Diaries,” he wrote, “The Emergency Diaries chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time.”
PM Modi further urged people to come forward and share their family stories and personal experiences from the Emergency era. “I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977,” he added.
In support of the Cabinet’s decision, Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma told ANI that a resolution was also passed in the council meeting in the capital, condemning the Emergency. He announced that the NDMC would organize a program to honour those who were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during that period, recognizing them as fighters for democracy.
The Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, led to mass arrests, press censorship, and the suspension of fundamental rights. It officially ended in March 1977, but the events of that time continue to evoke strong reactions and discussions about civil liberties and the strength of democratic institutions.
