Union Law Minister says Congress silenced journalists and jailed opposition leaders; claims PM Modi strengthened democracy over the past 12 years
Bikaner (Rajasthan): Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday criticised Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her recent remarks on democracy, recalling the 1975 Emergency and accusing the Congress government of suppressing democratic rights, imprisoning political leaders and silencing journalists. Speaking in Bikaner, Meghwal said Sonia Gandhi should remember the period when democratic institutions and freedoms were curtailed during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
“Does Sonia ji not recall the period of 1975, when democracy was strangled? Thousands of senior leaders from various political parties were thrown into jail, and the voices of journalists were silenced. She ought to remember that era as well,” Meghwal said.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that democracy had flourished and strengthened over the past 12 years under his leadership. Meghwal said Modi had consistently projected India before the world as the “mother of democracy”.
Meghwal Backs Amit Shah’s Debate Challenge to Rahul Gandhi
Meghwal also supported Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent challenge to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for a debate in Parliament. He said Shah had appropriately reminded the opposition that Parliament was the designated forum for discussions on constitutional and democratic matters. Meghwal added that the government was ready to convene a special session if the opposition submitted a proposal for a debate.
“Our Home Minister provided a fitting response to Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Haryana, pointing out that the Constitution-makers designated Parliament as the proper venue for such debates. If the opposition wishes to engage in a discussion, let them put forward a proposal; we can certainly convene a special session,” he said.
Meghwal further argued that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha already serves as the arbiter within the parliamentary system and questioned the need for any additional mechanism to oversee such discussions.
Sonia Gandhi Defends Indira Gandhi’s Decision to Call 1977 Elections
Meghwal’s remarks came after Sonia Gandhi, in an article published in The Hindu, reflected on the Emergency and defended Indira Gandhi’s subsequent decision to restore the electoral process.
Sonia Gandhi acknowledged that democratic rights had been curtailed during the 21-month Emergency and that habeas corpus had been suspended. However, she said the decision was taken amid violent protests, widespread unrest and deteriorating circumstances. She argued that Indira Gandhi eventually recognised the situation, called general elections in March 1977 and publicly expressed regret over the excesses committed during the Emergency.
Separately, Meghwal said he was heading to Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner to celebrate Diwali with personnel of the Army, Air Force, Border Security Force and other paramilitary forces who remain away from their families during the festival. He said spending Diwali with security personnel stationed away from their homes had become a longstanding personal tradition.
