50 Years On: Remembering the Darkest Hour in Indian Democracy

On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the period as a 'prime example of their shenanigans'. He denounced it as one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, accusing the Congress of violating the constitution's spirit and placing democracy under arrest.

Using social media, PM Modi emphasized the significance of this day as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas', marking a time when constitutional values were set aside. The 42nd Amendment was highlighted as a key instrument in these violations, with the poor and marginalized particularly impacted.

The Emergency, declared by the then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, was imposed amid political unrest and aimed at curbing judicial dissent. It marked a significant deviation from democratic norms as fundamental rights were suspended, media freedoms were curtailed, and many leaders were jailed.

(With inputs from agencies.)