Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticized the Congress party, questioning its democratic integrity and adherence to the nation’s constitutional traditions. Rijiju took to social media to highlight the party’s ‘disregard and disrespect’ for democratic values, sharing a remark by Congress leader Pawan Khera. Khera allegedly claimed that BJP leaders will not be able to step out on the streets without security if the Congress comes to power.
Rijiju attributed the remarks to Khera, stating, “If Congress comes to power, BJP leaders will not even be able to step out on the streets,” and further said, “That’s why people won’t bring such a dictatorial Congress party to power again. Everyone has freedom of expression, but Congress is literally abusing PM Modi 24X7.” The controversy over alleged intimidation emanated from Congress leader Pawan Khera’s media interaction on June 25, when the nation commemorated the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, widely considered a blot on democracy. Congress leader Pawan Khera, when questioned about the Emergency, said, “Let our government come to power.
When we will recount these 12–15 years, BJP leaders will not be able to step out on the streets without security. I am telling you this—they will need protection even to come out in public.” The Emergency was declared in India on June 25, 1975 and lasted for almost two years until March 21, 1977. It was proclaimed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
During that period, all civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and many Opposition leaders were jailed for voicing dissent. The BJP observed June 25 as the Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) with many Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of party-ruled states describing it as the “darkest day of democracy”.
