Chandigarh, June 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said that women endured as many atrocities during the Emergency as the democracy activists did, facing that dark period with remarkable courage. Women’s contributions as guardians of democracy during those difficult times can never be forgotten, he emphasized. He called for efforts to ensure that the dark chapter of the Emergency reaches every citizen so future generations remain aware and vigilant.
Mr. Saini was speaking today at the Women’s Mock Parliament organized at the auditorium of Gurugram University, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency. The Chief Minister also observed proceedings of the mock parliament session. He stated that this session, dedicated to women’s empowerment, is a tribute to the sacrifices and courage of women who faced atrocities during the Emergency. Democracy activists who opposed the Emergency were also honored during the event, including Mahavir Bhardwaj, S.B. Gupta, and Shrichand Gupta, leaders of the Democracy Fighters’ Organization.
Women’s Role Against Those Who Tried to Kill Democracy Praised
Mr. Saini said that when the Emergency was imposed, there was neither instability nor any natural calamity in the country. However, the Congress government forcibly declared Emergency to serve its own narrow political interests. Fifty years ago, during the Emergency, not only were political rights crushed, but the freedom, dignity, and rights of women faced the most brutal assaults. Women were imprisoned, their voices were silenced, and they were confined to their homes simply because they wished to speak out against the injustices of the government. It was a time when democracy and the dignity of women were both strangled.
He said that organizing thoughtful programs like the Women’s Mock Parliament serves as a reminder of the inhumane actions that took place during that period. The Emergency was indeed a dark chapter in democracy, and worse atrocities were committed against the common people than even during British rule. After the Emergency, women participated in the general elections with greater enthusiasm than ever before, and their responsible role during the Emergency deserves high praise.
Emergency Crushed the Constitution
Mr. Saini stated that the Emergency trampled the Constitution, which is no small matter. It reminds us of a time when the voice of the entire nation was attempted to be silenced, when the Constitution was sidelined merely to protect the power of a single family, turning the country into a prison. He expressed confidence that, given the awareness of today’s mothers and sisters, the democratic consciousness of the nation can never again be suppressed. He recounted that Emergency was imposed on the night of June 25, 1975, resulting in severe restrictions on the rights of every citizen.
Prime Minister Honored Those Who Suffered During Emergency
The Chief Minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honored those who laid down their lives resisting the Emergency. He said that although the contributions of those who defended the Constitution were being forgotten, PM Modi has brought their sacrifices to public awareness, sharing information with the common people. He lamented that today, the dignity of the opposition in Parliament has fallen to new lows, accusing the opposition of not only disrespecting democracy but also hurting constitutional institutions and their officeholders.
India Moving Towards Becoming a Developed Nation
Mr. Saini emphasized that maintaining decorum in Parliament is crucial. He said the opposition must fulfill its responsibilities by ensuring that parliamentary proceedings run smoothly in the national interest. Frequent disruptions not only waste Parliament’s precious time but also slow down the pace of the country’s development. He asserted that under Prime Minister Modi’s positive vision, Haryana is advancing, playing a significant role in realizing the dream of a developed India. He affirmed that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is moving decisively toward becoming a developed nation.
Chief Minister Congratulates Women’s Wing
Mr. Saini congratulated the BJP Mahila Morcha Haryana for organizing the Women’s Mock Parliament. He praised the women for not only speaking out but also taking leadership, raising questions, and presenting solutions. “This is democracy, this is the soul of the Constitution, and this is the core mantra of the BJP,” he said. Saluting the power of women, he assured that the democracy for which so many citizens sacrificed their lives during the Emergency, and for which countless mothers wept through sleepless nights, will remain untouchable and protected.
The event was also attended by Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Usha Priyadarshi, Gurugram Mayor Rajrani Malhotra, former MP Sunita Duggal, DC Ajay Kumar, CP Vikas Arora, democracy activists, and other dignitaries.
