The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday expressed its support for the National Council of Educational Research and Training's (NCERT) decision to include a section on the Emergency years in a newly developed Class 9 social science textbook. The ruling party described the period from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, as a 'dark chapter' in India's constitutional history, emphasizing that it must be remembered to ensure it is never repeated.
NCERT Introduces Emergency Section for First Time
The NCERT, for the first time, has incorporated a section on the Emergency in its new social science textbook titled 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond'. The textbook characterizes the Emergency as 'one of the major challenges' to democracy in India, during which a majority of fundamental rights were suspended. The move marks a significant addition to the curriculum, aiming to educate students about this tumultuous period.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla issued a video statement, asserting that June 25, 1975, represented the darkest chapter of India's democratic and constitutional journey. He alleged that the Congress party, which was in power at the time, attacked every constitutional institution during the Emergency.
BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Congress Over Emergency
'The Emergency was imposed out of lust for power by Indira Gandhi and the Congress. Every constitutional body was attacked. Parliament, the legislature, the judiciary and the media were censored and suppressed,' Poonawalla said. He highlighted that even singer Kishore Kumar had his voice suppressed and songs removed from All India Radio during that period, citing such actions as examples of the atrocities committed.
Poonawalla noted that fundamental rights were suspended, judicial review was taken away, and constitutional safeguards were dismantled. He praised NCERT's decision to include a chapter on the Emergency, stating it will help students learn about this period so that such events are never repeated. 'Hence, the NCERT has taken a decision to include a chapter on the Emergency as dangerous to democracy and teach students. Because we must remember and commemorate this dark chapter in India's constitutional history, but we must never ever repeat it,' he said.
BJP Attacks Congress for Opposing the Move
The BJP spokesperson also attacked the Congress party for opposing the inclusion of the Emergency chapter. He alleged that the Congress continues to have an 'Emergency mindset' and questioned why it is against the move. 'Unfortunately, the Congress imposed the Emergency back in 1975 and they continue to live in the Emergency mindset. They are opposing it, the Congress and their ecosystem. Why are you opposing it? Should you not welcome it? If you are champions of the Constitution and not supporters of its destruction, then you must be the first one to say yes, let us learn from the mistakes of the past. Because those who don't are condemned to repeat it,' Poonawalla said.
He further noted that leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Lalu Prasad Yadav had fought against the Emergency, and he found it ironic that many parties associated with them are now aligned with the Congress. The BJP's backing of the NCERT decision underscores the party's continued emphasis on teaching the Emergency as a cautionary tale in India's democratic history.
