L K Advani, BJP veteran leader has said that he fears a repeat of the Emergency as “forces that can crush democracy have become stronger” in India, in remarks that are being interpreted by rival parties as a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Advani ji is correct in saying that emergency can’t be ruled out. Is Delhi their first experiment?” tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose government is indulged in power conflict with the Centre.
Mr Advani said: “At the present point of time, the forces that can crush democracy, notwithstanding the constitutional and legal safeguards, are stronger.”
He was speaking on the 40th anniversary next week of the 1975 Emergency, when the Congress government jailed opposition leaders and imposed severe control on media.
“I do not say that the political leadership is not mature. But because of the shortcomings, I don’t have the confidence that it (Emergency) cannot happen again,” said the 87-year-old BJP veteran, adding, “I do not see any sign in our polity that assures me, any outstanding aspect of leadership. A commitment to democracy and to all other aspects related to democracy is lacking.”
The comments have been captured by critics of the BJP and PM Modi.
