During his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, June 29, Prime Minister Modi condemned the Congress party for enforcing the Emergency 50 years ago. He referred to it as a grim period in India’s history and presented archival speeches from Morarji Desai and Vajpayee, highlighting the challenges that citizens endured during that era.
On Sunday, 29 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
In his address, he condemned the Congress party and its then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for the imposition of the Emergency, marking the completion of 50 years since this dark period began on 26 June this year.
He noted that the country had recently commemorated 50 years since the Emergency was enforced, observing it as Samvidhan Hatya Divas (Constitution Murder Day). “We must remember those who valiantly opposed the Emergency. Their courage inspires us to remain vigilant in protecting our Constitution,” he stated. Reflecting on the Emergency imposed in 1975, he remarked, “Those who enforced the Emergency not only extinguished the spirit of the Constitution but also attempted to manipulate the judiciary like puppets.”
The Prime Minister also presented archival audio recordings from leaders such as Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Jagjivan Ram, who recounted the struggles endured by the populace during the Emergency.
In his speech, he additionally highlighted International Yoga Day, celebrated on 21 June, which witnessed millions participating across India. “We observed many captivating images of the celebration. In Visakhapatnam, three lakh individuals practiced yoga together on the beach. Another remarkable sight was over 2,000 tribal students performing 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Consider the discipline required for such an event. A magnificent display of yoga was also conducted on our naval ships,” PM Modi remarked. India has been declared free of trachoma.
PM Modi further announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized India as free from trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can lead to blindness. “I am pleased to announce that WHO has declared India free of trachoma. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our health workers. The Jal Jeevan Mission has played a significant role in this success,” he concluded.
Expansion of social security coverage
The Prime Minister highlighted that, as per a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), 64 percent of India’s population currently has access to social security—almost four times the figure during the prior Congress-led administration.
“The ILO report indicates that 64 percent of the population indeed has access to social security. Approximately 95 crore individuals are reaping the benefits of these schemes, in contrast to fewer than 25 crore in 2015,” stated PM Modi.
