Dibrugarh, June 28: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched a sharp critique of the Congress party on Friday, stating it “has no moral standing to raise slogans like ‘Save the Constitution’ after having tried to crush it during the Emergency.”
Addressing the inaugural session of a “Mock Parliament” organised at the historic Hanumanbux Surajmall Kanoi College in Dibrugarh by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the BJP Mahila Morcha to mark 50 years since the declaration of Emergency, Sonowal called the period “a black chapter” that exposed the Congress’s authoritarian streak.
“Fifty years ago, the Congress government forcibly imposed Emergency on the nation, suspending basic rights and humiliating our Constitution, which was drafted after years of tireless work by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his colleagues,” Sonowal said. “Indira Gandhi’s hunger for power and her family’s decisions struck at the heart of democracy.”
Reflecting on the nationwide resistance, Sonowal paid tribute to leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who “led courageous struggles to protect democracy,” as well as to Assam’s Golap Borbora and other senior leaders who mobilised the people against the Congress’s corruption and dictatorship.
“Millions across India united to defend the Constitution that guarantees our dignity and rights,” Sonowal added. “Because of that struggle, today every Indian enjoys social justice, economic growth, and the right to live with honour.”
Sonowal urged the younger generation never to forget the Congress’s actions. “Congress today shouts ‘Save the Constitution,’ but it was they who tried to kill it,” he said. “The people have already punished them at the ballot box, but our youth must remember this dark phase of India’s history so that it is never repeated “.
Sonowal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying, “Every policy under PM Modi reflects democratic values, compassion, and inclusivity. Under him, India has become a respected global power because our democracy is alive and strong.”
Contrasting this with the Emergency, he described it as a time when even Cabinet ministers had to seek approval from Sanjay Gandhi, and the Lok Sabha functioned as a “rubber stamp” for one family’s whims. “At one point, they replaced Mahatma Gandhi’s photos in government offices with Indira Gandhi’s portraits. Even iconic singer Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned from All India Radio,” Sonowal said.
“The slogan ‘India is Indira and Indira is India’ summed up the Congress mindset. It was a betrayal of India’s democratic soul,” he added.
The senior BJP leader accused Congress of hindering India’s development. “They delayed our nation’s progress in every way—socially, economically, and politically. Even after decades in power, they failed to ensure basic dignity, food, and shelter for millions.”
In contrast, Sonowal said, “The BJP-led NDA government has always worked to uphold democratic values and build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Our goal is inclusive progress that leaves no community or region behind.”
He called democracy “the voice and dreams of every Indian, safeguarding equal opportunity, respect, and progress.” Sonowal added, “When every community and citizen gets a fair chance to contribute, no force can stop India from becoming stronger.”
Addressing students and youth present at the event, Sonowal urged them to carry forward the legacy of those who resisted Emergency-era oppression. “This chapter must never be forgotten,” he said. “Democracy is India’s lifeblood, and the Constitution its soul. It is your duty to protect both.”
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