Chandigarh, June 28: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that during the Emergency, women endured atrocities equal to those faced by Loktantra Senanis and bravely withstood that dark period. He emphasized that the contribution of women as guardians of democracy in the national interest will never be forgotten. He appealed for the events of this dark chapter in India’s democratic history to be widely shared, so that future generations remain informed and vigilant.
Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the Women’s Mock Parliament organized on Saturday at Gurugram University to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
During the event, the Chief Minister also observed the proceedings of the mock parliament. He stated that this session, dedicated to women’s empowerment, serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against women during the Emergency and as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honored Loktantra Senanis who stood against the injustices of that period. Those felicitated included State President of the Loktantra Senani Sangathan, Sh Mahavir Bhardwaj, along with Sh S.B. Gupta and Shrichand Gupta.
Women’s role in resisting the assault on democracy is commendable
Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that when the Emergency was imposed in the country, there was neither political instability nor any natural calamity. Yet, the Congress government enforced it upon the people out of selfishness and a narrow mindset. The Emergency, imposed 50 years ago, not only violated political rights but also launched a brutal assault on the freedom, dignity, and rights of women. Many women were jailed, their voices silenced, and they were confined to their homes, simply for speaking out against government injustice. It was a period when both democracy and women’s dignity were severely suppressed.
He said that organizing a meaningful and thought-provoking event like the ‘Women’s Mock Parliament’ serves as a reminder of the inhuman acts committed during the Emergency. Describing the Emergency as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, he remarked that people were subjected to more suffering during that time than even under British rule. He said that in the general elections held after the Emergency, women participated with greater enthusiasm than ever before. The role and responsibility undertaken by women during that period is truly commendable.
The Constitution was trampled during the Emergency
The Chief Minister said that the Constitution was trampled during the Emergency, and this is not a matter to be taken lightly. It reminds us of a time when there was an attempt to silence the voice of the entire nation. That was a period when the country was turned into a prison to protect the power of a single family, disregarding the Constitution. Today, with so many aware mothers and sisters present here, he expressed confidence that no one will ever be able to crush the democratic spirit of this nation again. He added that the Emergency was imposed on the night of June 25, 1975, through a misuse of the Constitution, resulting in the curbing of every citizen’s rights.
Prime Minister honored those who suffered during the Emergency
The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi honored those who sacrificed their lives during the Emergency. He said that while many who contributed to protecting the Constitution were being forgotten, Sh Modi made efforts to bring their stories to the public’s attention by remembering those who opposed that dark chapter. He also expressed concern that today; the dignity of the opposition in Parliament is declining. The opposition is not only undermining democracy but is also working to disrespect individuals holding constitutional positions.
India is moving towards becoming a developed nation
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity in Parliament. He urged the opposition to fulfill its responsibility by ensuring smooth proceedings that serve the national interest. He expressed concern over the repeated disruptions caused by the opposition, calling it a serious issue that not only wastes valuable parliamentary time but also hampers the country’s development. The Chief Minister stated that the state is advancing the positive vision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, with Haryana playing an unmatched role in realizing the dream of a developed India. Under the leadership of Sh Narendra Modi, he affirmed, India is steadily moving toward becoming a developed nation.
Chief Minister congratulates Mahila Morcha
While congratulating the BJP Mahila Morcha Haryana during the Women’s Mock Parliament, the Chief Minister said that they have created a platform where women are not only speaking out but also leading. He praised how women are not just raising questions but also offering solutions. “This is democracy, the soul of the Constitution, and the fundamental mantra of the BJP,” he said. Saluting women’s power, he added, “Today, standing in this Mahila Sansad, I assure you all that the India for which our countrymen sacrificed during the Emergency, and the democracy for which millions of mothers wept through the night, will never have its dignity compromised again.”
On this occasion, Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Sohna MLA Sh Tejpal Tanwar, Pataudi MLA Smt Bimla Chaudhary, Gurugram MLA Sh Mukesh Sharma, Kalka MLA Smt Shakti Rani Sharma, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Smt Usha Priyadarshi, Gurugram Mayor Smt Rajrani Malhotra, former MP Smt Sunita Duggal, Deputy Commissioner Sh Ajay Kumar, Commissioner of Police Sh Vikas Arora, along with Loktantra Senani and other dignitaries, were present.