On its 40th anniversary, Twitter recalls Emergency in different strokes

Urges for further strengthening of democratic principles

Marking 40 years of the June 25, 1975 imposition of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that it was 'one of India's darkest periods', and stresssed that 'a vibrant liberal democracy is the key to progress'.

Political leaders and journalists who lived through those autocratic times also chimed in with their memories of a time when most civil liberties and fundamental rights stood suspended for more than a year-and-a-half. 

Read more from our special coverage on "EMERGENCY"

• Modi says India was converted into a jail when Emergency was imposed
• Country turned into a jail during Emergency: PM
• Govt has imposed undeclared Emergency in country: Congress
• Emergency darkest period; vibrant democracy key to progress: PM Modi
• Emergency redux? Highly unlikely: FinMin

 

Besides slamming the Emergency, imposed by then Congress leader and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and urging the strengthening of democratic ideals, PM Modi also praised the courage of all those who opposed the nearly two year long curbs on free speech.

We mark 40 years of one of India's darkest periods- the Emergency, when the then political leadership trampled over our democracy.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2015

We are very proud of the lakhs of people, who resisted the Emergency & whose efforts ensured that our democratic fabric is preserved.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2015

Inspired by the call of JP, several men & women across India selflessly immersed themselves in the movement to safeguard our democracy.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2015

A vibrant liberal democracy is the key to progress. Let us do everything possible to further strengthen our democratic ideals & ethos.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2015

His thoughts were echoed by Home MinisterRajnath singh.

Forty years ago 'the Emergency' was imposed in the country to muzzle democratic spirit & institutions.It was a 'black chapter' of Indian history

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) June 25, 2015

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Varun Gandhi also tweeted a letter from his grandmother Indira Gandhi, condoling the death of his father Sanjay Gandhi. June 23 is also the 35th anniversary of Sanjay Gandhi, a key enforcer of the Emergency who pushed the infamous national sterlisation scheme as well as a ruthless cleanup of slums in large parts of Delhi. Varun recently paid tribute to his father at the Shanti Van on Monday.

A tribute to my father by my grandmother Smt Indira Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/kp79HQJykK

— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) June 23, 2015

Among other tweets, some called for alertness to prevent a replay of those dark days.

As we recall #Emergency,lets be vigilant about the threats, abuse, bullying, censorship, unleashed on the press even today on a daily basis.

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 25, 2015

.Others decided to find the lighter side of things. 

Throwing an Emergency themed party tonight. Everyone has to wear whatever I want and say nice things about me. Or I'll sterilise you.

— Rohan (@mojorojo) June 25, 2015

And then there was this interesting observation.

Asked a Congman involved in Emergency to speak on it. He tells me, India is under 35, no one remembers what happened 40 years ago!

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 25, 2015