Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday brought back the focus on emergency imposed in 1975, saying it was a “frightful black night” for democracy in India.
“Lakhs of people and thousands of leaders, including Jai Prakash Narayan, were put behind the prison walls. Several books have been written and debates have been held on that frightful black night,” he said during his Mann Ki Baat monthly radio talk.
He described the people’s struggle during the state of emergency, which remained in force for about 21 months as the “best example” of the democratic powers of “ordinary citizens of India.”
“The country must be reminded of such democratic powers (of its citizens) time and again,” the Prime Minister added.
“Today, when I am talking to you on June 26, I want to tell you, especially the younger generation, that our democracy has vested greater powers into every citizen of this country. We should not forget that our strength lies in democracy. We have to take this commitment further and strengthen it," he said.
Adding further, the prime minister noted that some people “make fun” of his Mann Ki Baat radio programme and even criticise it. "But, this is possible because we are committed to democracy," he said.
Towards the end of his radio address, the prime minister also spoke about his recent meeting with tax officials. He appealed to the tax evaders to declare their undisclosed income positively by September 30 to avoid finding themselves into “troubles”.
“Once you declare, the government will not conduct any investigation or ask you the sources of your income. Save yourself from the troubles expected to follow after this date (September 30),” the prime minister added.
He referred to his recent meeting with the officials of the income tax department, saying it came out during discussions that only 1.5 lakh people of this country had taxable income beyond Rs 50 lakh.
Published 26 June 2016, 19:56 IST