‘Blot On Democracy’: PM Modi Takes A Jibe At Oppn Over 1975 Emergency, Says Country Wants Substance, Not Drama

Taking a jibe at the opposition ahead of the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a strong message to the INDIA bloc, said that the country desires substance over drama from its lawmakers.

“I hope that the opposition will live up to the expectations of the common citizens of the country to maintain the dignity of democracy. People do not want drama, disturbance. People want substance, not slogans. The country needs a good opposition, a responsible opposition,” Modi said, hoping that the MPs who have won will try to fulfill these expectations of the common man.

Speaking about the 1975 emergency imposed almost five decades ago on June 25, he said the new generation of India will never forget how “every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces” and the country was turned into a prison.

‘Blot on the democracy’

“Tomorrow is 25th June. 25th June marks 50 years of the blot that was put on the democracy of India. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, democracy was completely suppressed,” he said.

Underlining the importance of consensus-building, Modi pledged to prioritise the nation’s interests to fulfill the aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion people. “In the last 10 years, we have always tried to implement a tradition because we believe that a majority is required to run the government but to run the country a consensus is of utmost importance. So, it will be our constant efforts to serve Maa Bharti and fulfill the aspirations and ambitions of the 140 crore people, with everyone’s consent and by taking everyone together,” he added.

Kharge Responds

In response to Modi’s criticism, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, in a lengthy post on X, said the last 10 years under the BJP government was a period of “undeclared Emergency.” “You are reminding us of the 50-year-old Emergency, but have forgotten the last 10 years of undeclared Emergency, which was ended by the people,” he wrote.

“People have given their mandate against Modi ji. Despite this, if he has become the Prime Minister, then he should work,” he said. “‘People need substance, not slogans’ – remember this yourself. The opposition and INDIA Janbandhan want Consensus in Parliament, we will keep raising the voice of the people in the House, on the streets and before everyone,” Kharge added.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered oath to BJP member B Mahtab as ‘speaker pro-tem’ of the newly-constituted 18th Lok Sabha. A seven-time MP, Mahtab, along with a panel of chairpersons is tasked with running the proceedings of the Lok Sabha on Monday and Tuesday when winning candidates will take oath as members of the 18th Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, he will preside over the House when a new Speaker will be elected. Mahtab, along with the panel of chairpersons, was appointed by the president on June 20.