Agartala, Jun 30 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday claimed that a “condition of horror” prevailed in the state during the Emergency imposed by the Congress government in 1975, and emphasised the need to uphold constitutional values to safeguard democracy.
The Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lasted until March 21, 1977. It was marked by widespread press censorship, arrests without trial and the stifling of dissent in academia, politics and civil society.
The BJP-led central government has decided to observe June 25 as the ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the “massive contributions” of those who endured “inhuman pain” during the period.
Speaking at a mock parliament event organised by the BJP’s Mahila Morcha, the women’s wing of the ruling party, Saha recalled how the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) gave unchecked powers to the authorities.
“Anyone could be jailed without reason, including journalists and political workers, and such arrests couldn’t even be challenged in court,” he said.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the CM said that as a member of a drama group during the Emergency, their performance scripts had to be submitted in advance to the district magistrate.
“Government officials scrutinised the scripts closely. They could remove any portion, and we had no way to question their decision,” he said.
Saha said he once had to stay stranded for three days in Allahabad while returning from Madhya Pradesh, due to a nationwide strike called by the then opposition leader George Fernandes.
“I had to change multiple trains before finally reaching Howrah (in West Bengal),” he noted.
The chief minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to abolish the practice of ‘Triple Talaq’, saying it was done to uphold constitutional values and protect women’s rights.
“We must continue to defend and highlight the Constitution if we want to preserve our democracy,” Saha said.