BJP Remembers Emergency, Honours Democracy Defenders In MP's Dhar

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a seminar at its district office on Wednesday to honour those who opposed the 1975 clampdown on democracy.

The event recalled the events of June 25, 1975, when the then Congress-led government imposed Emergency, suspending civil liberties, censoring the press, and jailing political opponents. Former Union Minister and Emergency detainee Vikram Verma, former MLA Gopikrishna Nema, and BJP district president Mahant Nilesh Bharti addressed the gathering.

Verma said, “India’s democracy owes its survival to those who resisted the Emergency.” He urged the younger generation to understand the sacrifices made during that time.

Nema condemned the Congress for what he called a "brutal assault on freedom," adding that it was not just political opponents, but the entire nation that was silenced.

The event began with floral tributes to national icons, followed by a documentary screening and an exhibition depicting the hardships of the Emergency era. BJP honoured Emergency-era detainees Vikram Verma, Vallabh Vijayvargiya, Om Prakash Soni, and their families for their courage and resilience.

The atmosphere was one of solemn remembrance and pride as attendees reflected on a time when the spirit of democracy was tested—and ultimately endured.