New Delhi- After being elected as Lok Sabha Speaker on Wednesday, Om Birla condemned the then-Congress government's decision to impose an Emergency in 1975 while appreciating people who opposed its implementation and fulfilled their responsibility of protecting Indian democracy.

“This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. 25th June 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India,” he said.

In a significant and reflective gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Lok Sabha Speaker for his strong condemnation of the Emergency, as a dark period in Indian democracy that occurred 50 years ago.

The Prime Minister took to social media platform X to express his appreciation for the Speaker's powerful statement and the symbolic act of standing in silence to honor those who suffered during that time.

The Prime Minister wrote: "I am glad that the Honourable Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time, and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled. It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days."

Reflecting on the importance of remembering this period, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the lessons that can be drawn from the Emergency, particularly for the younger generation. He highlighted that understanding the events of that time is crucial as they serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of constitutional violations, suppression of public opinion, and the destruction of democratic institutions.

"The Emergency was imposed 50 years ago but it is important for today's youth to know about it because it remains a fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed. The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like," the Prime Minister added.

The Emergency, declared on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, lasted until March 21, 1977. It was a period marked by severe restrictions on civil liberties, widespread censorship, and the imprisonment of political opponents.