Prime Minister Narendra Modi with newly elected Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla as he accompanies him to the chair, at Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday. LOP Rahul Gandhi and Union minister Kiren Rijiju accompany him to the chair (Sansad TV)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his strong condemnation of the Emergency imposed by the then Indira Gandhi-government in 1975. Modi lauded Birla for highlighting the severe excesses and the manner in which democracy was strangled during that period.
Om Birla, who was elected as Lok Sabha speaker following a motion moved by PM Modi and adopted through a voice vote, made significant remarks shortly after his election. He described June 25, 1975, as a "black chapter" in Indian history and criticised Indira Gandhi for "attacking the Constitution crafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar." Birla commended the determination of those who opposed the Emergency, noting their vital role in protecting India's democracy.
PM Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his satisfaction with Birla's statements. "I am glad that the Honourable Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time, and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled,” Modi wrote.
The Emergency, which PM Modi referred to as an exemplification of dictatorship, was highlighted as a crucial period for today's youth to understand. He emphasised the importance of remembering the consequences when the Constitution is disregarded, public opinion is suppressed, and institutions are undermined. The events of the Emergency period, according to Modi, starkly illustrate the nature of a dictatorship.
In his speech, Birla urged members to observe a moment of silence in honour of those who suffered during the Emergency, after which the House was adjourned for the day. Following the adjournment, BJP members protested outside Parliament, waving placards and raising slogans.
"It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days," PM Modi added in his post.
The condemnation of the Emergency by the Speaker and the subsequent remarks by the Prime Minister underscore the importance of democratic values and the need to remember and learn from historical events.
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