Emergency a dark chapter in Indian democracy, says Goa CM at Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas function in Margao
Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that the nation comes first and no one is above the Constitution, as he recalled the pain and suppression suffered by citizens during the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975.
Speaking at the State-level function to mark Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas 2025 at Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law, Margao, organised in association with Vidya Vikas Mandal, Dr Sawant described the Emergency as one of the darkest periods in independent India’s history.
“Many families suffered. There was such oppression that people even said the British era was better. Forced sterilizations were carried out under the pretext of population control. Fundamental rights were trampled, the press was silenced, and thousands of political leaders, journalists and civil society members were jailed,” said Dr. Sawant.
He said the Constitution of India holds the same sanctity as the Geeta, Bible, and Quran, and stands as the guiding force of the nation. “We are working to strengthen cooperative federalism and empower constitutional bodies. Our aim is citizen-friendly governance and freedom through development,” he added.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, also present, termed the day as the 50th anniversary of the “black day of Indian democracy,” and asserted that no matter the challenges, democracy will prevail in India.
Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou (IAS) noted the day’s historical significance. The event was also attended by MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar and other senior officials. An informative documentary on the Emergency was screened.
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