Emergency a Painful Chapter, Nation Must Never Forget the Cost of Freedom: CM Saini

GG News Bureau
Gurugram, 1st July: As part of a state-wide campaign marking 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency by the Congress, the Haryana government on Friday observed ‘Constitution Killing Day’, recalling what it termed the “dark chapter” in Indian democracy. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended a mock parliament held at Gurugram University as the chief guest, where he paid tribute to the democracy fighters who suffered during the Emergency period.

Speaking at the event, CM Saini recounted the pain and oppression faced by political activists and their families during the 21-month Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. He said the country would have turned into a dictatorship if not for the brave resistance of over one lakh freedom and democracy fighters.

The Chief Minister honoured and felicitated key contributors to the resistance, including Mahavir Bhardwaj, President of the Loktantra Senani Sangathan, Dr. S.P. Gupta (Retired IAS), Satyapal Gupta, and Shrichand Gupta for their sacrifices and dedication.

In another commemorative event organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), CM Saini again served as the chief guest. A mock parliament session was conducted to educate the youth about the dangers posed to democracy during the Emergency.

Mahavir Bhardwaj, while speaking at the event, vividly narrated the torture and suffering he endured during that period, asserting that if the democratic forces had not stood up, India might have succumbed to authoritarianism.

The event was also attended by several dignitaries, including Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State Rao Narbir Singh, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, and others.

During the program, CM Saini was seen presenting a memento and certificate of honour to Dr. S.P. Gupta (Retd. IAS) for his contributions during the Emergency resistance.