Modi calls Emergency 'dark period', wishes to strengthen democracy
New Delhi, June 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the 1975-77 Emergency was a "dark period" that the nation could never forget and called for making democracy stronger by "writing, debating, deliberating, and questioning" its vital aspects.
"India remembers the Emergency as a dark period during which every institution was subverted and an atmosphere of fear was created. Not only people but also ideas and artistic freedom were held hostage to power politics," he tweeted.
Modi hailed the spirit of those citizens who firmly opposed the Emergency that came into force on June 25, 1975, leading to suspension of the fundamental rights.
"I salute the courage of all those great women and men who steadfastly resisted the Emergency, which was imposed 43 years ago. Their struggles ensured people power prevailed over authoritarianism and the stifling of civil liberties," he added.
He called for working towards making Indian democracy stronger.
"Let us always work to make our democratic ethos stronger. Writing, debating, deliberating, questioning are vital aspects of our democracy which we are proud of. No force can ever trample the basic tenets of our Constitution," he added.
The Emergency lasted till March 21, 1977. The Congress led by Indira Gandhi was voted out of power in the elections that were held soon after.
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Maharashtra polls: Kangana Ranaut holds roadshow for BJP candidate in Nagpur
Nagpur (PTI): BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut held a roadshow in Nagpur on Sunday for a saffron party candidate ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Ranaut was campaigning for BJP candidate Pravin Datke, who is contesting from the Nagpur Central assembly constituency.
The actor began the roadshow from the Bengali Panja area in the city. She will also hold a roadshow in the Nagpur West constituency.
Datke is a member of the state legislative council and former chief of the party's city unit.
Polls for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly will be held on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23.
