PM Modi slams Congress for Emergency, plays archives of Vajpayee, Desai in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday (29 June) during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.

During his address, he criticised the Congress party and its then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency , as the dark phase completed 50 years on 26 June this year.

He said the country had marked 50 years since the Emergency was imposed just a few days ago and observed it as Samvidhan Hatya Divas (Constitution Murder Day). “We must remember those who bravely fought against the Emergency. This inspires us to remain vigilant to safeguard our Constitution ,” he said.

Speaking about the Emergency imposed in 1975, he said, “Those who imposed the Emergency not only murdered the spirit of the Constitution but also tried to suppress the judiciary like puppets.”

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The Prime Minister also played archival audio recordings of leaders such as Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Jagjivan Ram, who spoke about the hardships faced by people during the Emergency.

In his speech, he also spoke about International Yoga Day, observed on 21 June, which saw millions participating across India. “We saw many mesmerising images of the celebration. In Visakhapatnam, three lakh people practised yoga together on the beach. Another incredible sight was over 2,000 tribal students performing 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Imagine the discipline needed. A grand display of yoga was also held on our naval ships,” PM Modi said.

India declared trachoma-free

PM Modi also shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India free of trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness. “I am delighted to share that WHO has declared India free of trachoma. This is the success of our health workers. The Jal Jeevan Mission has contributed to this achievement,” he said.

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Growth in social security coverage

The Prime Minister noted that, according to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, 64 per cent of India’s population now has access to social security—nearly four times higher than during the previous Congress-led government.

“The ILO report states that 64 per cent of the population definitely has access to social security. Nearly 95 crore people are benefiting from these schemes, compared to fewer than 25 crore in 2015,” PM Modi said.