Udupi: Marking 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary called it one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history. Speaking at the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’ (Constitution Betrayal Day) event organised by the Udupi District BJP at their Kadiyali office, he described it as a day when democracy was crushed and the Constitution sabotaged.
Reflecting on that period, Poojary questioned the actions of those in power who, instead of safeguarding the Constitution framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, manipulated it for political gain. He recounted that the Emergency was declared after the Ahmedabad High Court invalidated then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election victory over charges of malpractice. Rather than stepping down, she invoked Article 352, using it as a tool to cling to power.
He stated that this declaration of Emergency led to the suspension of fundamental rights, the arrest of opposition leaders, and a total breakdown of democratic institutions. The legislative, judicial, and executive branches were all undermined, and the nation was thrust into an authoritarian rule, effectively turning the country into a giant prison.
The event was chaired by BJP Udupi District President Kuthyaru Naveen Shetty. Also in attendance were MLA Yash Pal Suvarna and leaders K. Udayakumar Shetty, Dinakar Shetty Herga, and Reshma Uday Shetty.