1970’s was a Dark Period – PM

1970 was a Dark Period – PM

New Delhi: PM Modi on Tuesday described emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the 1970s, as a “dark period” that India would never forget.

Remembering the emergency declared between 1975-77, PM Modi took to twitter and wrote “India remembers the emergency as a dark period during which every institution was subverted and an atmosphere of fear was created. Not only people but also ideas and artistic freedom were held hostage to power politics.”

Earlier while addressing the meeting organised by the Bhartiya Janata Party to mark the emergency anniversary, the PM said the day needs to be observed to re-dedicate oneself to protection of the Constitution and democracy.

PM Modi expressed gratitude towards those who fought against the emergency in 1975.

Encouraging the spirit of citizens who opposed the emergency, Modi said, “I salute the courage of all those great women and men who steadfastly resisted the emergency, which was imposed 43 years ago. Their struggles ensured that people power prevailed over authoritarianism and the stifling of civil liberties.”

On Monday, Union Minister Arun Jaitley compared Indira Gandhi to Hitler, saying that both turned democracy into dictatorship.