Chandigarh, Jun 25 (PTI) Attacking the Congress on the 50th anniversary of Emergency, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday accused the party of crushing the Constitution and setting aside the values enshrined in it.
Addressing a gathering in Karnal to observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas', Saini said India's freedom fighters made supreme sacrifices for their motherland to gain Independence from the British.
"They made supreme sacrifices so that our future generations remain secure. They faced such atrocities so that the coming generations could breathe fresh air in a free nation," Saini said.
However, the chief minister claimed that the pre-Independence period returned again in free India when the then-Congress government imposed Emergency on June 25, 1975.
Saini also claimed that undermining the core values of the Constitution is in the DNA of the Congress, even though its leaders pretend to be its protectors.
"To serve their interest, Congress leaders crushed the Constitution, twisted it and set aside its values," Sainin alleged.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said even today, leaders who roam around with a copy of the Constitution in their hands and talk of saving it support the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which granted special status to the erstwhile state.
The provision was scrapped on August 5, 2019.
"On one hand they (Congress) talk of saving the Constitution, on the other hand they say if they come to power, they will restore the erstwhile status (of J-K). Which Constitution this fourth generation (of Nehru family) talks about? Breaking the Constitution is in their DNA. They don't protect it, but break it, crush it," Saini claimed.
The chief minister also said that even after 50 years, the Congress has still not apologised for the Emergency.
Saini said that 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' serves as a solemn reminder that the arrogance of power and nepotism are among the biggest threats to democracy.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has been running as per the Constitution, and making progress," Saini said.
Referring to the progress made by the country under Modi, Saini said, "Look at the past 11 years as against Congress' 55-year rule. Democracy is not limited to winning elections and forming governments, it is a way of life, a value system, and it is important to understand this."
"The decision to impose Emergency on this day 50 years ago was driven by arrogance, and by the thought 'only I matter, and no one else'. It was a deliberate conspiracy in which the sacred Constitution was crushed," he said.
Saini also paid tributes to those who stood up against Emergency, noting that they endured imprisonment and torture but never surrendered their principles.
"Today, I salute all those heroes who raised their voices for democracy," he said.
The purpose of observing 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas' is also to remind people, especially the younger generation, about the importance of democracy, and to make everyone aware about protecting the democratic system, Saini said.
He added that Emergency was not only a constitutional crisis but also an assault on the process of democracy, which guarantees freedom of expression, equality and justice.
The government under Narendra Modi is truly following the democratic spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', holding the Constitution as supreme, Saini said.
Every action taken by the government aims to strengthen the Constitution, he added.