June 25, Emergency Never Again.

 June 25, Emergency Never Again. Appeal to our Parliamentarians for Democratic Integrity and Constructive Governance

June 25 marks an aberration day in the history of our democracy, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the Indian democracy notwithstanding the onslaught that it faced on this day in 1975. Today, we enter the fiftieth year of the declaration of the Emergency in India. It was on this day in 1975, that India experienced one of its darkest hours in our cherished democracy, when the then then-prime minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, imposed an Emergency on the nation. As we reflect on this period, it becomes imperative to reassess and renew our commitment to the democratic values and principles of our nation and ensure that June 25, 1975, happens never again.

 Unfortunately, the happening unfolding - a saga of parliament disruptions and slogan shouting with the holy book of the constitution of India in the hands of the parliamentarians - even before the swearing-in of the newly elected members to the 18th Parliament is completed, does not augur well for the Indian democracy. What is so embarrassing is the very party that imposed the Emergency on this nation is unabashedly using slogans like the death of Democracy to instigate the ruling party, which would create a crevice unbridgeable between the ruling and the opposition parties, which does not augur well for Indian democracy.

 The 18th Parliamentary elections, the greatest of the global spectacle that heralded the democratic traditions of independent India, will soon be completed with the newly elected members of the Parliament completing their constitutional obligations of taking their oath and expressing their allegiance to the Constitution of India.  The acrimonious debate, allegations, and counter allegations, the exit polls and the heat and dust that they generated and so also a narrative of unsafe EVMs are all past. It is time for everyone to let bygones be bygones believe in the great Indian democracy and respect and uphold the will of the 640 million plus people who have endeared the scorching heat to go out and vote for the government they wish to govern them.

 The people of India have spoken their minds and whether one likes it or not, NDA has been given the mandate to govern the nation with vastly reduced numbers for the ruling party. The united opposition under an innovatively crafted acronym INDIA, which was led among others by Rahul Gandhi and his Congress party, has made impressive gains and Congress has just missed the three-figure mark while the INDIA block has managed to win a creditable 235 seats including a landmark victory in Ayodhya. This mandate by the people mandates the opposition – INDIA block - to play a responsible role of the opposition, which must be respected and played constructively.

 

In recent times, with Prime Minister Modi in power, there has been growing rhetoric, particularly from the opposition, suggesting that India under the current government led by Mr. Narendra Modi, is experiencing an "unwritten emergency." This narrative persists despite the clear mandate given by the electorate for the third consecutive term. The elections are over, the results are and it is now time for both the ruling party and the opposition to transition from campaign mode to governance mode, focusing on serving the people of India.

 The role of the opposition is crucial in a democracy. A healthy, functioning democracy relies on a responsible opposition that holds the government accountable while respecting the electorate's verdict. However, the current behaviour of boycotting sessions and creating disruptions even before the first session of the new government begins undermines this responsibility. This not only insults the mandate given by the people but also weakens the democratic fabric of our nation.

 Similarly, the ruling party must show magnanimity and respect towards the opposition. Effective governance requires collaboration and constructive dialogue. Ignoring or dismissing the opposition leads to a polarized political environment, hindering progress and innovation. This adversarial behaviour serves no good to the people of India and distracts from the real issues at hand. Today, India stands at a pivotal moment on the global stage. As a rising power with a promising future, any internal political discord can have far-reaching consequences. Disruptive behaviours by both the ruling and opposition parties can deter foreign investments and weaken global confidence in our stability and governance. This is a critical time for India to project unity and a commitment to democratic principles.

 As we mark the beginning of the fiftieth year of Emergency in India, I join my fellow countrymen (women included) to plead with both the ruling party and the opposition to make amends and prioritize the nation's welfare above partisan politics. It is time to end the rhetoric and work together for the greater good. The people of India deserve a government that respects their mandate, upholds democratic values, and works tirelessly for their prosperity and progress.

 As custodians of democracy, all politicians must honour the trust placed in them by the electorate and perform the responsibility they are vested with by the people of India, admirably so that the slogan for “Emergency Never Again” reverberates in the hearts and minds of everyone.  

 Let us learn from our past, respect the present mandate, and work towards a future that strengthens our democracy and promotes the well-being of all Indians. Unity, respect, and constructive engagement are the pillars that will support India’s journey to becoming a global leader.