25 June,2020 01:05 PM IST | Chennai | PTI
Nirmala Sitharaman. Pic/ PTI
The "power-hungry" Congress government took away the rights of the people by clamping emergency this day 45 years ago and when the very same party spoke on democracy it was anguishing, BJP leader and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. Recalling that the emergency came into effect in India on June 25, 1975, she said, it was promulgated by the "power-hungry Congress party and they created a huge challenge for democracy by coming up with the emergency."
The emergency continued till March 21, 1977. Addressing BJP Tamil Nadu unit party workers via a virtual rally, she said: "People's rights were completely rejected. Why did the Congress party do it?It was hankering for power, it was for the sake of office. The law was broken and an emergency was declared." The emergency era witnessed several atrocities, she alleged and said several leaders from the ranks of opposition were jailed and the DMK government led by late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was dismissed.
A DMK leader, Mayor Chittibabu died unable to bear the torture in prison,she alleged. "That the Congress today has the guts to talk of democracy is anguishing," she said adding the DMK, however, joined hands with the Congress subsequently.
She wondered what yardstick of democracy prompted the DMK to join hands with the Congress party.
ALSO READ
'India Global Forum's mission more relevant than ever,' says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of IGF Middle East and Africa 2024
Siddaramaiah urges Nirmala Sitharaman to address NABARD's loan cuts to farmers
Karnataka CM seeks appointment with FM Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss NABARD loan 'reduction'
Today’s welfare measures aim to empower: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Patriarchy did not stop Indira Gandhi from becoming PM: Nirmala Sitharaman
Also, she asked: "What right does the DMK have to raise questions on freedom of speech and democracy?"
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
