Emergency Was a Dark Stain on Indian Democracy — Democracy Fighters Endured Torture to Protect the Constitution: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Under PM Narendra Modi’s Leadership, India Has Become the World’s Strongest Democracy

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma stated that the Emergency imposed on the midnight of 25th June 1975 remains a dark blot on India’s democratic history. During that period, the then government enforced undemocratic laws like MISA and DIR, suppressing freedom of expression, press freedom, and fundamental rights. He said that democracy fighters endured severe torture in prisons to uphold constitutional values and their struggle to safeguard democracy stands as a remarkable example in history.

Shri Sharma was addressing the program titled “The Dark Chapter of Indian Democracy – Constitution Murder Day 2025” held at the Constitution Club to mark 50 years since the imposition of Emergency. He said nearly 1.4 lakh people were detained arbitrarily during the Emergency, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani. Yet, the vigilant defenders of democracy remained resolute, fearlessly opposing the tyranny.

India is Now the World’s Strongest Democracy Under PM Modi’s Leadership

CM Sharma added that, in line with the spirit of the democracy fighters, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken historic steps to strengthen India’s democracy and Constitution. He initiated the observance of Constitution Day on 26th November and honored Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by designating significant sites related to his life as “Panchteerth.” It was also the Modi-led government that awarded Dr. Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna. Under his leadership, India has emerged not just as the largest, but also the strongest democracy in the world.

Seamless Pension and Benefits for Democracy Fighters in Rajasthan

Shri Sharma affirmed that the Rajasthan government is committed to the welfare of democracy fighters. The Rajasthan Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi has been reinstated. All democracy fighters in the state now receive a monthly pension of ₹20,000 and an additional ₹4,000 as medical assistance. He assured that the Act ensures pensions are disbursed without any interruption.

The Roots of Democracy Were Nurtured by These Fighters — Let the Youth Be Inspired

The Chief Minister expressed his pride and gratitude in being among democracy fighters and acknowledged their sacrifices in nurturing and strengthening democratic roots. He urged the younger generation to listen to their stories and draw inspiration, as the rights and freedoms they now enjoy came at a great cost.

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Madan Rathore remarked that the then government had imposed Emergency to cling to power, amending the Constitution undemocratically and infringing on fundamental rights. The MISA law allowed for indefinite detention without trial.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a book titled “The Story of Democracy’s Defense – In the Words of the Fighters”, which compiles memoirs of democracy fighters from the state. He also honored several democracy fighters and viewed an exhibition commemorating 50 years since the Emergency.

The event was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Jogaram Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari, MLA Shri Gopal Sharma, other public representatives, and several democracy fighters.