Emergency was a dark chapter in democracy’: Women's Mock Parliament held in Gurugram
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini stated that during the Emergency, women endured atrocities equal to those faced by Loktantra Senanis and bravely withstood that dark period. Saini was addressing the Women's Mock Parliament organized on Saturday at Gurugram University to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
He emphasized that the contribution of women as guardians of democracy in the national interest will never be forgotten. He appealed for the events of this dark chapter in India's democratic history to be widely shared, so that future generations remain informed and vigilant.
During the event, the Chief Minister also observed the proceedings of the mock parliament. He stated that this session, dedicated to women’s empowerment, serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against women during the Emergency and as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honored Loktantra Senanis who stood against the injustices of that period. Those felicitated included State President of the Loktantra Senani Sangathan, Mahavir Bhardwaj, along with SB Gupta and Shrichand Gupta.
Saini stated that when the Emergency was imposed in the country, there was neither political instability nor any natural calamity. Yet, the Congress government enforced it upon the people out of selfishness and a narrow mindset. The Emergency, imposed 50 years ago, not only violated political rights but also launched a brutal assault on the freedom, dignity, and rights of women. Many women were jailed, their voices silenced, and they were confined to their homes, simply for speaking out against government injustice. It was a period when both democracy and women’s dignity were severely suppressed.
He said that organizing a meaningful and thought-provoking event like the 'Women's Mock Parliament' serves as a reminder of the inhuman acts committed during the Emergency. Describing the Emergency as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, he remarked that people were subjected to more suffering during that time than even under British rule. He said that in the general elections held after the Emergency, women participated with greater enthusiasm than ever before. The role and responsibility undertaken by women during that period is truly commendable.
The Constitution was trampled during the Emergency
The Chief Minister said that the Constitution was trampled during the Emergency, and this is not a matter to be taken lightly. It reminds us of a time when there was an attempt to silence the voice of the entire nation. That was a period when the country was turned into a prison to protect the power of a single family, disregarding the Constitution. Today, with so many aware mothers and sisters present here, he expressed confidence that no one will ever be able to crush the democratic spirit of this nation again. He added that the Emergency was imposed on the night of June 25, 1975, through a misuse of the Constitution, resulting in the curbing of every citizen’s rights.