Emergency was Congress’ assault on the soul of Democracy: Sat Sharma

• J&K BJP observes “Black Day” to mark the imposition of Emergency

JAMMU: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, observed “Black Day” across all district units on the anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in 1975, a dark chapter in India’s democratic history.

As part of the statewide observation, J&K BJP President Sat Sharma led a significant programme at Akhnoor, where he addressed a large gathering of party workers and citizens. He inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing the horrors and atrocities committed during the Emergency era and later addressed the media at the BJP office in Akhnoor.

Prominent leaders present on the occasion included former Prabhari Brijeshwar Singh Rana, District President Kuldeep Sharma, DDC Vice-Chairperson Suraj Singh, former MLA Rajiv Sharma, DDCs Suresh Sharma, Sharda Bhau, Bhushan Bral, Seh-Prabhari Manmohan Singh, former VC Daljit Singh Chib, Jagdish Bhagat, Mandal Presidents, and other senior party functionaries.

While addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma emphasized that the Emergency, imposed overnight under the pretext of internal disturbances, despite the absence of war or national crisis, was an unconstitutional move by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He stated, “This day is a reminder of the darkest hour in India’s democratic journey. The Congress party used the Emergency as a tool to suppress dissent, arrest opposition voices, and destroy democratic institutions.”

“Extensive Corruption was the best gift of Congress, that it gave to the nation, and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency to shield its Corrupt practices”, said Sat Sharma.

Highlighting historical facts, Sharma recalled how the Allahabad High Court, in a landmark judgment, found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices in the Raj Narain case, leading to her disqualification. Instead of accepting the verdict, the Congress leadership responded by imposing Emergency, silencing opposition leaders and unleashing widespread atrocities on the people. “Hot wax was poured on citizens, nails were removed, voices were crushed. Even leaders like Rajnath Singh ji were denied the last rites of loved ones, and Arun Jaitley faced brutal repression,” he added.

He said, “Fifty years have passed since this assault on democracy, but the memories and lessons remain critical. Congress, time and again, murdered the Constitution and democratic ethos for the self-interest of one family.”

Rajiv Sharma, speaking on the occasion, compared the undemocratic actions of Congress with the democratic humility shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently upheld the Constitution’s sanctity, bowing at the steps of Parliament and empowering citizens with their rightful liberties.

Kuldeep Sharma emphasized the need to recognize and respect those who stood against the Emergency. “If a nation forgets its heroes who fought for democracy, it risks repeating history. We owe our freedom of speech and rights to those who endured the tyranny of that era,” he said.

Similar programmes were organized by other districts of BJP.

J&K BJP General Secretary and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma addressed a similar programme in District Jammu.

Former Dy CM Kavinder Gupta addressed a programme in Jammu Border District.

J&K BJP General Secretary & MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal addressed a programme in Kathua District.

J&K BJP General Secretary Adv. Vibodh Gupta addressed a programme in District Nowshera.

BJP Headquarter Incharge & former Minister Priya Sethi addressed a programme in Samba District.

Chief Spokesperson Adv Sunil Sethi addressed a programme in district Udhampur.

All Cells Incharge Rakesh Mahajan addressed a programme in Reasi.