Emergency a Dark Chapter, Yet It Revealed the True Strength of Democracy: Union Minister Manohar Lal

Faridabad: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs and former Haryana CM Manohar Lal described the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history, stating that it dealt a severe blow to constitutional values, democratic institutions and citizens’ freedoms. He said the period must be remembered so that future generations understand the importance of democracy and remain committed to protecting the Constitution.

Manohar Lal was addressing a programme organised under Samvidhan Hatya Diwas at Central Park, Sector-12, Faridabad, to mark the 51st anniversary of the Emergency. Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar was also present. Democracy fighters who were jailed under MISA during the Emergency and their family members were honoured with certificates and shawls.

Speaking at the event, Manohar Lal said the Emergency witnessed censorship of the press, curbs on civil liberties, mass arrests and widespread misuse of power. He added that while it was a painful period, it also made people realise the true strength of democracy. Public anger against the Emergency led to the formation of the first non-Congress government at the Centre in 1977, proving that ultimate power rests with the people.

He said lakhs of democracy fighters struggled to protect democratic values through satyagrahas and public movements. Leaders including Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and George Fernandes played a crucial role in restoring democratic rights. Referring to the political developments preceding the Emergency, he alleged that constitutional institutions were weakened and amendments were introduced to protect political power.

Manohar Lal also recalled incidents of forced sterilisation, violations of fundamental rights and imprisonment of political opponents during the Emergency. He said such events serve as a warning for future generations and underline the need to remain vigilant in defence of democracy. Stressing the importance of democratic institutions, he said the Constitution, an independent judiciary, a free press, an active society and aware citizens are the pillars of a strong democracy.

Addressing the gathering, Krishan Pal Gurjar said June 25, 1975, remains a permanent stain on Indian democracy. He described the Emergency as a period when democratic rights, freedom of expression and civil liberties were severely restricted. Thousands of opposition leaders, journalists and social activists were jailed for opposing the government, he said.

Gurjar alleged that the Emergency reflected a mindset that placed political power above democratic principles. He said true respect for the Constitution is reflected through actions and not merely by invoking democratic values in speeches. Paying tribute to democracy fighters, he said June 25 should serve as a reminder that constitutional values and citizens’ rights must always be protected.

District BJP President Pankaj Poojan Rampal termed the Emergency a black chapter in the nation’s history and alleged that Congress had failed to respect public mandate and the dignity of the opposition. Programme Convener Dhanesh Adlakha said the Emergency was imposed to protect political power at the cost of constitutional principles and urged party workers to educate the younger generation about its impact on Indian democracy.

On this occasion, Haryana Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel, MLA Satish Fagna, former Cabinet Minister and MLA Mool Chand Sharma, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Ajay Gaur, Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi, National Council Member Sandeep Joshi, State Training Head Deepak Mangla, Bharat Vikas Parishad representative Rajkumar Agarwal, District In-charge Narendra Vats, former Education Minister Seema Trikha, former MLA Tek Chand Sharma, Zila Parishad Chairman Vijay Lohia, senior BJP leader Tipper Chand Sharma, former Mayor Suman Bala, Renu Bhatia, Shobhit Arora, Praveen Garg, Wazir Singh Dagar, Arvind Sood, democracy fighters, public representatives, BJP office-bearers, industrialists, members of social and religious organisations, intellectuals and a large number of citizens.