BJP's Poonawalla Criticizes Congress, Warns of Future Emergency

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has accused Congress and the INDI alliance of supporting the 1975 Emergency and suggested they might impose another if given the chance. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut defended the Emergency, sparking renewed debate over its historical impact on India's democratic values.

Reacting to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's statement on the emergency, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla asserted on Saturday that if Congress and the INDI alliance come to power again, they will impose another emergency. Poonawalla highlighted that despite Congress's apology, they evidently support such measures, with Bhupesh Baghel recently defending Indira Gandhi's actions.

Earlier, Sanjay Raut defended the 1975 Emergency imposed by the Congress, mentioning that even Atal Bihari Vajpayee would have done the same in similar circumstances. He emphasized that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and RSS supported the move, citing national security concerns. Raut argued that Vajpayee at that time did not consider the Constitution violated.

The Indian government has declared June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day' in remembrance of the 1975 Emergency. The Emergency period, declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was marked by the suspension of fundamental rights and strict censorship, leading to the arrest of opposition leaders and activists. The Emergency lifted in 1977, underscoring democratic resilience and the importance of constitutional values.

(With inputs from agencies.)