As India commemorates the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, Congress leader Salman Khurshid reflected on the public’s response, highlighting how the party was ousted from power in the subsequent elections post its lift in 1977. Discussing the BJP’s ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ observance, Khurshid emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional freedoms and addressing concerns about the current state of the Constitution.
Khurshid also commented on the inclusion of an Emergency chapter in NCERT textbooks, stressing the need for a comprehensive portrayal of historical events. He raised questions about whether the reasons behind the Emergency and its aftermath were being adequately addressed in the educational material.
Regarding the Ministry of External Affairs’ statement that a passport does not serve as proof of citizenship, Khurshid pointed out the significance of citizenship in passport issuance. He called for clarity on the timing and necessity of such announcements, urging the government to provide a detailed rationale for the clarification.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year tenure, Khurshid expressed concerns about the current national atmosphere, citing a lack of trust, satisfaction, and contentment among the populace. He questioned the reasons behind growing unease, migration trends, and shifts in international relationships, emphasizing unmet expectations from governmental institutions.
In the realm of foreign policy amid US-Iran tensions, Khurshid highlighted the historical ties between India and Iran and the need for reciprocal goodwill. He raised doubts about India’s stance towards Iran during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of fostering supportive relationships with allies.
