The Congress has sometime stated that the Modi rule was akin to Hitler’s. The BJP was politically right in retaliating referring to the Emergency as a blot on Indian democracy. However where they are wrong is why this ‘black day’ 43 years back should never be forgotten and how it should be looked at in text books! It should be remembered as the day when a strong dictatorial leader showed us how the Constitution and the rule of law could be subverted, the Supreme Court, constitutional authorities and the media could be bent to the government’s will. A day quite rightly the BJP says was the biggest blot on Indian democracy where hundreds of people like journalists, students, politicians, social activists and anyone considered a threat to the government could be summarily arrested/jailed. Nobody was certain when the midnight knock would come on false charges of sedition or anti national activities. Fear prevailed. Yes the trains ran in time, administration on the ball and efficient, corruption and crime greatly minimized, prices under control and destruction of the soul of freedom, liberty and democracy complete. This is too high a price to pay for progress and development and the Emergency should make us all vow never to let this sort of thing ever happen to us again. That is how it should be remembered!
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
