Gadwal: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a press meeting in Aija town to commemorate 50 years since the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975. Kampati Bhagat Reddy, the local BJP town president, led the event, criticizing the Congress for its actions during the Emergency and accusing it of maintaining a “dynastic mindset.”
Bhagat Reddy stated that the Congress believes the Prime Minister’s role is the birthright of one family. He labeled this belief as arrogance from the Nehru-Gandhi family. He explained that on June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed announce a national Emergency under Article 352(1), following the Allahabad High Court’s decision invalidating her election and the Supreme Court’s conditional stay.
Reddy criticized the Congress for treating India as personal property. He claimed this family feels they can override India’s independence whenever they choose, acting as if democracy is theirs to control.
He highlighted that just 28 years after Jawaharlal Nehru celebrated India’s independence, his daughter, Indira Gandhi, imposed a dictatorship with a simple signature.
Reddy spoke about the harsh effects of the Emergency, such as mass arrests, public beatings, media suppression, forced sterilizations, and the violation of citizens’ rights. He said these actions reminded people of colonial times, leaving lasting trauma on Indian society.
He detailed how the judiciary was silenced, citizens lacked legal protection, and press freedom was destroyed during the Emergency.
Reflecting on the 50-year mark, Reddy urged citizens to remember this history, ensuring it never repeats. He emphasized learning from the past is essential for protecting democracy.
Other BJP leaders like Kisan Morcha president Veeresh Goud, K. Rajasekhar, Gadiga Raghu, and Raju also attended. The event ended with a call for younger generations to stay vigilant and defend democratic values to prevent future abuses of power.
