PM Modi lauds Speaker Om Birla for condemning Emergency, says happenings then exemplified what dictatorship looks like

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded newly elected Speaker Om Birla for condemning Emergency and appreciated the gesture in Lok Sabha to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days.

I am glad that the Honourable Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled. It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 26, 2024

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “I am glad that the Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled. It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days.”

He said the Emergency was imposed 50 years ago but it was important for today’s youth to know about it.

“…It remains a fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed. The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like,” he added.

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Om Birla was elected as Lok Sabha speaker after a motion moved by PM Modi was adopted through voice vote.

Shortly after taking charge, he read out a resolution condemning the Emergency and flayed the then-government headed by prime minister Indira Gandhi.

A large number of MPs stood in silence for a few moments amid protests by Congress MPs and some other opposition members.

“This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. We appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting India’s democracy,” said Birla.

Slamming the Congress, he said the then government wanted to concentrate power in one individual, control the judiciary and eliminate the basic principles of the Constitution

“The aim of these amendments made by the Congress government was to bring all the power to one person, control the judiciary and eliminate the basic principles of the Constitution. By doing this, the rights of citizens were suppressed and the principles of democracy were attacked,” he added.

With inputs from agencies