Emergency is the greatest assault on Indian democracy, says Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bihar State president Sanjay Saraogi on Wednesday, June 24, 2025, said that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975 remains the darkest chapter in the history of India’s democracy. He said the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s decision was a serious misuse of Article 352 of the Constitution, leading to suspension of fundamental rights and suppression of democratic freedoms.

He added that press censorship, political arrests and authoritarian rule have dragged the country into an environment of fear and uncertainty. Mr. Saraogi pointed out that the strongest and most organized resistance against the Emergency emerged from Bihar.

“The ‘Total Revolution’ movement led by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan inspired a nationwide awakening and gave a new direction to Indian politics. From Patna to the farthest corners of Bihar, students, youth and social activists united in a historic struggle against authoritarianism, energizing democratic forces across the country,” Mr. Saraogi told the media in Patna.

Bihar BJP chief stated that many eminent leaders and dedicated workers played outstanding roles during the anti-Emergency movement. He added that the late George Fernandes led the resistance while underground, while Jananayak Karpoori Thakur continued to actively participate in the struggle to preserve democratic values.

“Thousands of workers associated with the Jana Sangh and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) endured imprisonment and hardship, but did not compromise their commitment to democracy. At a time when most of the opposition leaders were imprisoned, volunteers of the RSS, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) continued to work underground, ensuring that the spirit of democracy remained alive and resilient across the country,” Mr. Saraogi said.

He argued that the BJP was the ideological heir of the democratic struggle that emerged from the anti-Emergency movement. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is fully committed to protecting democracy, constitutional values ​​and citizens’ rights.

Mr. Saraogi recalled that in the historic general elections of 1977, the people of Bihar made a firm decision against authoritarian rule and played an important role in restoring democracy in India. He stated that the legacy of this struggle continues to inspire BJP workers and democracy-loving citizens across the country.

He urged citizens to never forget the horrors of the Emergency and to educate future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve India’s democratic framework.

He called on all citizens to reaffirm their commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the national interest, while ensuring that the eternal flame of democracy continues to shine brightly for generations to come.