Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Friday called for greater Emergency awareness among young people. He said the 1975–77 Emergency remained the “darkest chapter in Indian democracy” and stressed the need to preserve its history for future generations.
Speaking at the release of the book Nalgonda Zilla Emergency Vyatireka Porata Yodhulu in Nalgonda, authored by Chinta Mutyala Rao, Ramchander Rao said those who fought to protect democracy made significant sacrifices. He added that future generations should remember their contributions.
According to the BJP leader, educating young citizens about the Emergency was essential to safeguard democratic values. He said awareness of the period would help people understand the importance of constitutional rights and democratic institutions.
Emergency awareness should become part of education
Marking 50 years since the Emergency, Ramchander Rao alleged that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed it after the Allahabad High Court invalidated her election. He claimed the decision aimed to safeguard her political position.
Furthermore, he alleged that the Congress government suppressed democratic institutions and curtailed press freedom during the 19-month Emergency. He also claimed that authorities jailed thousands of political activists, including members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, students and lawyers.
Ramchander Rao said the Centre was incorporating lessons on the Emergency into educational curricula. He added that the initiative would help ensure what he described as the “true history” of the period reached the younger generation.
Finally, he demanded that the Congress apologise to the nation, the families of political prisoners and those who suffered during the Emergency. He alleged that the period undermined democracy and constitutional rights.
