Congress, who imposed Emergency, accuses BJP of democracy suppression: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused the Congress of falsely accusing the BJP government of suppressing democracy and imposing an Emergency. He addressed two rallies in Agra in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and labeled the Emergency, which was imposed in 1975, a dark phase of Indian democracy. Singh, who was jailed for 16 months during the Emergency, explained that many innocents were kept in jail. He also spoke out against the Congress’ claims that the BJP government is suppressing democracy. Singh further stated that the BJP formed governments in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, which could not have happened if the BJP was strangulating democracy.
The imposition of an Emergency is regarded as one of the most trying times for India’s democracy. In response to prolonged protests against her government, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency on June 25, 1975, suspending civil liberties, press freedom, and political opposition for almost two years. Thousands of people were detained, including Rajnath Singh, who served time in jail. The Emergency is widely regarded as a low point in India’s democratic history.
Singh’s criticism, therefore, is not unexpected, particularly given that he had firsthand experience with the oppressive tactics employed by the Congress government during that dark phase in India’s history. The BJP has been accused by many of trying to undermine India’s democratic institutions since coming to power. The Congress, on the other hand, has made similar allegations against the BJP.
However, according to Singh, these accusations are misguided, and the BJP’s efforts are focused on strengthening the country’s democratic institutions. Singh’s rally is an indication that the BJP is preparing for next year’s assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, which is seen as a crucial battleground between the Congress and the BJP.