Delhi BJP honours ‘loktantra senanis’ for fighting against 1975 Emergency

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Friday honoured ‘Loktantra Senanis’ — those who resisted the 1975-77 Emergency — at a Loktantra Vijay Diwas event held at the NDMC Convention Centre here.

The event, marking the end of Emergency on March 21, 1977, was organised by the Loktantra Senani Association and witnessed the participation of veterans who were jailed or persecuted during the 19-month period of Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, Loktantra Senani Sangh national president Kailash Soni, former MPs Satyanarayan Jatiya and OP Babbar, and BJP leaders Subhash Arya, Rajiv Babbar and Rajan Dhingra were among those present at the event.

Sachdeva hailed the detainees as “true patriots”.

“The Emergency period was proof of Congress’ cruelty and dictatorship. Many people endured torture, long imprisonments and even sacrificed their lives for democracy. Today, the Indian democracy stands on their sacrifices,” he said.

He added that it was important to educate the younger generation on how democracy was suppressed during the Congress’ rule.

“Understanding democracy means understanding the struggles of those who opposed Emergency,” he said, adding that honouring them was a moment of pride for Delhi.

Sachdeva credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening India’s democratic values at a global stage.

He said no government could truly match the sacrifices made by the ‘Loktantra Senanis’. He urged all citizens to learn from their resilience and dedication, working towards the goal of a developed India by 2047.