'Waving Constitution Means Nothing...': Jaishankar Slams Congress On Emergency Anniversary
Dr. S. Jaishankar recalls 1975 Emergency, slams Congress for lack of remorse, and urges citizens to protect democracy: “Never take freedom for granted.”
Marking 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a stirring reminder of how democracy was tested—and how it prevailed through the will of the people. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Mock Parliament organized by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dr. Jaishankar recalled the deep psychological scars left by the Emergency, especially on India’s youth.
“I was a student when the Emergency was declared. I will never forget what happened. The lesson I took away was simple but powerful: never take freedom for granted,” he said. Recounting the fear and confusion that gripped the country, Jaishankar described how students were taken from their hostels in the dead of night—without reason, without warning. “Imagine the trauma. It wasn’t normal. This was real. This whole exercise was done to bring down the morale of the country,” he emphasized.
Sweeping Constitutional Changes During Emergency
In just two years under the Emergency, five Constitutional Amendments and 48 Ordinances were passed. Three of those amendments directly attacked democratic rights:
- 30th Amendment: Prevented citizens from challenging Emergency declarations in court.
- 39th Amendment: Shielded the Prime Minister’s election from judicial scrutiny.
- 42nd Amendment: Undermined the judiciary and diluted Fundamental Rights.
“These weren't just political decisions—they were blows to the very foundation of our democracy,” he said.
India's Image Tarnished on the Global Stage
Dr. Jaishankar reflected on how the Emergency dented India’s global standing, turning what was once hailed as the "mother of democracy" into a nation diplomats struggled to defend. “My seniors in the Foreign Service told me how incredibly difficult it was to explain this to the world. India was criticized heavily. It was a tough time to be a diplomat.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On 50 Years of Emergency, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "... My seniors in the Foreign Service told me how difficult it was to defend Emergency in the world. India was criticised so much and our image as the 'mother of democracy' was tarnished. It was a tough time for… pic.twitter.com/gpNiz9lApt
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
He noted with disappointment that neither Indira Gandhi nor the Congress party ever expressed regret for the imposition. “When Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980, there was no remorse—not a word. Not from her, not from Rajiv Gandhi, not from the party.”
Despite the restrictions, Indians across the country stood up in protest. That resistance, Jaishankar said, was a testament to the nation’s enduring democratic spirit. “Democracy runs in our blood. The Emergency was imposed, but never truly accepted. The people fought back.” He urged the youth and citizens to remain alert and committed to protecting democratic values and institutions.
Turning to the present, Dr. Jaishankar lauded today’s cross-party collaboration on the global stage. He pointed to joint parliamentary delegations—featuring leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, Kanimozhi, Sanjay Jha, Jay Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Shrikant Shinde—who have spoken abroad in a united voice against terrorism.
“Every country they visited noted one thing above all: that India stood united. That was a moment of immense national pride.”
#WATCH | Delhi: EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "Emergency happened because the interest of a family was put ahead of the interest of the nation. Today, the interest of the nation is put first. I have a great sense of pride when i see Parliamentary delegations lead by Shashi Tharoor,… pic.twitter.com/CPRVPUwhmU
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
The Constitution Must Be Honored in Spirit
In a pointed critique, Jaishankar questioned the sincerity of those who publicly brandish the Constitution yet remain silent on past constitutional violations.
#WATCH | Delhi | EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "What respect can you see towards the Constitution by those who are still not apologising for the Emergency? Nothing happens by roaming around with a copy of the Constitution. It should be respected from the heart." pic.twitter.com/2hPOFiAP2g
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
“What respect can there be for the Constitution when there's no apology for the Emergency? Waving it around means nothing if it’s not respected from the heart.”
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