To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in India, the Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha held a Mock Parliament session at Maharashtra Sadan. The event was addressed by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj. The session was organized under the leadership of Richa Pandey Mishra, President of the Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha.
Emergency silenced dissent, suspended democracy
Addressing the event, CM Rekha Gupta recalled the dark days of the Emergency and said, “At that time, anyone who dared to raise their voice against the government was imprisoned without appeal, without justification, and without legal recourse. The entire country was gripped by fear, and freedom of expression was stifled.”
Gupta noted that names of dissenters were already marked in advance and many were jailed overnight. She also highlighted how the press was censored, newspapers were shut down, and everything functioned under the direct command of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “Even film stars like Manoj Kumar were banned, and forced sterilization campaigns created a climate of terror,” she added.
Gupta emphasized that it is essential to remember the Emergency not just as a historic event but as a reminder of how democracy and the Constitution were once trampled upon. “It is called a dark chapter because we must ensure it is never repeated. We must understand the role of the government and its duty to work in the interest of the people.”
Modi government empowering women, unlike Emergency-era repression
Highlighting current achievements, Gupta praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, calling it a strong step toward women’s empowerment. “In contrast, the Emergency was a selfish move to retain power. Today, under Modi’s leadership, citizens’ health, safety, and well-being are central to governance,” she stated.
Congress misused Constitution, jailed voices of dissent
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while addressing the gathering, criticized the Congress party’s actions during the Emergency. She stated, “The Congress regime repeatedly amended the Constitution at will and imprisoned those who dared to speak in national interest, only to suppress opposition and public anger.”
She recounted that during a time when India faced hunger, unemployment, and widespread discontent, the Congress leadership chose to impose Emergency simply to cling to power. “On the night of June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi announced the Emergency via radio. It was a decision that crushed democracy, ignored constitutional norms, and strangled citizens’ rights,” she said.
Swaraj also highlighted the significance of the 33% women’s reservation bill passed under PM Modi’s leadership, stating, “This is the last Lok Sabha where women are underrepresented. The next Lok Sabha will see women standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men in both numbers and influence.”
Strong Participation by Women Leaders
The event witnessed participation from hundreds of women. Along with Richa Pandey Mishra, Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha General Secretary Priyal Bhardwaj, Sarita Tomar, and Vaishali Poddar were also present, demonstrating the strength and unity of the women’s wing.
In her opening remarks, Richa Pandey Mishra stated that remembering the Emergency as a “Black Day” is crucial. “It is ironic that the same Congress party that once dismantled democracy and constitutional order now speaks of saving the Constitution and uniting India,” she said.
