Naqvi Demands Emergency Coverage in School Curriculum
BJP leader and former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday asserted that the Emergency period imposed in 1975 was a 'killing of the Constitution' and should be made a part of school textbooks. Speaking to reporters, he accused the Congress party of attempting to hide its historical misdeeds.
Congress Accused of Cover-Up
Naqvi alleged that the Congress, which 'killed thousands of youths' during the 21-month Emergency, is now trying to cover its sins by organizing a campaign called 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Voice of Students). He stated that the youth of today must learn about the dark chapter of Indian democracy to prevent its repetition.
Emergency: A Dark Chapter
The Emergency, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975, lasted until 21 March 1977. It saw widespread suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and forced sterilizations. According to official records, over 1,00,000 people were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during this period.
Naqvi said, 'The Congress party cannot wash its hands of the blood of thousands of youths who were killed or maimed during the Emergency. By demanding that this period be included in textbooks, we want the new generation to know the truth.'
Political Reactions
The BJP has consistently criticized the Congress over the Emergency, especially as the nation observes the 50th anniversary of its imposition. The Congress, however, has defended its record, with party leaders stating that the Emergency was a necessary measure to counter internal threats to national security.
Congress spokesperson Pramod Tiwari dismissed Naqvi's comments as 'politically motivated' and said the BJP was trying to divert attention from current issues like unemployment and inflation.
Historical Context and Impact
The Emergency is widely regarded as the darkest period in Indian democratic history. It led to the 44th Amendment of the Constitution, which aimed to prevent future abuses of power. Naqvi's call for textbook inclusion aligns with the BJP's broader narrative of highlighting Congress's 'anti-democratic' actions.
According to a 2021 report by the National Human Rights Commission, at least 1,500 deaths occurred in police custody during the Emergency, with many more unaccounted cases. The period also saw the forced sterilization of over 8 million men as part of the family planning drive.
Naqvi concluded, 'The Constitution was killed during those 21 months. It is our duty to ensure that every Indian child knows about this betrayal of democracy.'
