Lok Sabha Speaker Condemns Emergency, Triggers Opposition Protests
On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed vehement condemnation for the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. In a poignant gesture, he observed a two-minute silence in memory of those who perished during that tumultuous period. His remarks ignited a storm of protests and sloganeering from the opposition benches.
Speaker's Condemnation
Birla, addressing the House after his election as Speaker, denounced the Emergency as an assault on India's democratic values and a silencing of freedom of expression. He characterized it as a dark period that severely impacted the lives of countless citizens.
The Emergency destroyed the lives of so many Indians, with many paying the ultimate price, Birla lamented. We observe this solemn silence to honor their memory, our dutiful and patriotic citizens who sacrificed themselves to the Congress government's dictatorial rule during that oppressive era.
Opposition Uproar
Birla's denunciation of the Emergency, delivered shortly after he assumed his second consecutive term as Speaker, triggered immediate adjournment of Parliament.
This House unequivocally condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975, Birla asserted. We profoundly appreciate the unwavering determination of all who opposed and resisted the Emergency, fulfilling their sacred duty to safeguard India's democracy.
His remarks were met with vehement protests and slogan-chanting from the Opposition. Congress and its allies denounced the mention of the Emergency.
Dark Chapter Revisited
The Emergency, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and approved by then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, lasted from June 1975 to March 1977. It was justified based on perceived internal and external threats to the nation.
Speaker's Accusations
Birla lambasted Indira Gandhi's actions, claiming she had attacked the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar by imposing the Emergency.
India has always cherished democratic values and open debate, Birla stated. Yet, Indira Gandhi imposed a dictatorship upon this very essence of India. Democratic ideals were crushed, and freedom of expression was stifled.
Legacy of Emergency
Birla highlighted the grave consequences of the Emergency, including forced sterilization and indiscriminate urban demolitions purportedly carried out in the name of combating encroachments.
The cabinet at the time retrospectively endorsed the Emergency, ratifying this authoritarian and unconstitutional measure, he said. To reaffirm our commitment to our parliamentary system and the second independence we achieved through countless sacrifices, we must pass this resolution today. And we must ensure that this dark chapter of our democratic history is instilled in our youth.
Speaker Urges Silence
Birla concluded his address by urging the House to observe a two-minute silence. Immediately following, he adjourned the proceedings for the day.
NDA Protests
Outside Parliament, NDA leaders staged demonstrations, holding placards that decried Dictatorial mentality, Congress reality and Some things never change. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Prahlad Joshi led the protests.
Union Home Minister's Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Birla's resolution, hailing it as a tribute to those who resisted the Emergency's repression and exploitation.
Today, the House has recalled the 'era of injustice' that was the 'Emergency', and expressed its condolences to the poor, Dalits, and backward people who suffered under Indira Gandhi's government, when citizens' rights were violated, Shah tweeted.
Congress Rebuttal
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram condemned the BJP's insistence on dwelling on the past, pointing out that Indira Gandhi had regretted the Emergency and had been defeated in the subsequent 1977 elections.
They can come to the Opposition if they wish to protest, and we will accommodate them, Chidambaram told ANI. But this is an inappropriate way to begin a new term. The issue of the Emergency is over. We should focus on the erosion of institutions today. That is the discussion we should have, not constantly harping on something that happened 45–48 years ago.
