In a recent orientation program for new Rajya Sabha members, Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded the overall performance of Parliament while sharply criticizing the Emergency period as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history.
Addressing the fresh faces in the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar reflected on the evolution of the Indian Parliament, stating, “There has been only one painful, heart-wrenching dark period, and that was when Emergency was declared.” He described the Emergency, imposed in 1975, as a time when the Indian Constitution was “reduced to just a paper” and leaders were unjustly imprisoned.
During his speech, Dhankhar recounted the impact of the Emergency on Indian politics and society. “MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) became a draconian term, symbolizing the repression of that era,” he noted. Dhankhar also referenced a poignant anecdote involving senior politician Lalu Prasad Yadav, who named his child Misa as a tribute to the suffering endured during the Emergency. Misa Bharti, the daughter of Yadav, is now a member of the Lok Sabha.
Despite the dark legacy of the Emergency, Dhankhar emphasized that, if one overlooks this period, the performance of the Parliament has been commendable. “Our Parliament has performed very well and has done excellently,” he asserted, highlighting the resilience and functionality of the institution in the years following the Emergency.
The orientation program marked an important moment for new Rajya Sabha members, who were encouraged to understand both the triumphs and challenges faced by the Parliament throughout its history. Dhankhar’s comments served as a reminder of the significant strides made in Indian democracy, while also acknowledging the painful episodes that have shaped its journey.
Sources By Agencies