Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized the Congress party and the Gandhi family during a special discussion marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. He accused the Congress of undermining democracy by turning the country into a "jailhouse" during the Emergency period (1975-1977), when civil liberties were curtailed and constitutional rights suspended.

Referring to the Emergency as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history, PM Modi remarked, “The Constitution was torn apart when it was completing 25 years. In 1975, the Emergency was imposed, and all constitutional rights were stripped away. The country became a prison, citizens lost their freedoms, and the media was silenced. The Congress can never erase this stain.”

The Prime Minister also took a swipe at the Gandhi family, accusing them of undermining the Constitution. He alleged that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had set a precedent for disregarding constitutional provisions, citing instances where Nehru reportedly advised chief ministers to bypass the Constitution if necessary. Modi claimed that Indira Gandhi, inspired by these actions, went further by misusing the Constitution to impose the Emergency.

“Indira Gandhi went on to curb judicial independence through constitutional amendments, consolidating power and weakening democratic institutions,” PM Modi said, adding that Congress had amended the Constitution 75 times during its six-decade rule.

He accused Congress of "bleeding the soul of the Constitution" and being "so power-hungry" that it repeatedly attacked democratic principles. Modi’s remarks came amidst protests and interruptions from opposition MPs, reflecting heightened tensions in the ongoing political discourse.

The comments are widely seen as a counter to Congress’s allegations that the BJP is undermining constitutional institutions and planning significant changes to the Constitution. Congress had previously used this narrative as a central theme in its Lok Sabha campaign, which it claims helped prevent the BJP from securing a full majority on its own.

PM Modi’s speech underscored the ongoing political battle over the legacy of the Constitution and competing visions for India’s democracy.