AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the anti-emergency movement strengthened the country’s democracy. Speaking at a function in New Delhi to commemorate the 113th anniversary of Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan, Mr Modi said so many people in politics today owe a lot to the JP Movement. He said a new political generation was born during that movement.
Mr Modi said, Jaiprakash Narayan was a person with an open mind who was not restricted to one thought or ideology. The Prime minister said Loknayak lived for the truth and what he felt was right. Saying the emergency attacked India’s tradition, Mr Modi said the political generation born during the Emergency was fully dedicated to democratic values, inspired by JP.
Mr Modi said, in 1977 polls top leadership was in jail and no one knew what was happening, but people showed their strength and respect for democracy.
He said the JP movement gave birth to a new kind of politics in the nation. The Prime minister said leadership born during emergency was not one for TV screens. It was a leadership to live and die for the Nation. Mr Modi aslo remembered Nanaji Deshmukh for his contribution during the movement.
The Prime Minister said, country’s media might have its preferences but it should never let people of this country forget the days of emergency. He said, he does not want to remember emergency to criticize someone, but to constantly be reminded of commitment towards democracy and freedom of press.
Speaking on the occasion, senior BJP leader L K Advani said when India became free, focus was not only on freedom from colonialism but also on strengthening democratic framework.
Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal said JP was an institution, a light house and a role model.
Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu said JP was an all-party man and that is why he could bring about such a change in the country.
The Prime minister felicitated many leaders including Governor of Rajasthan Kalyan Singh, Governor of Gujarat O P Kohli, Governor of Karnataka Vaju Bhai Bala, Governor of Chattisgarh Balramdasji Tondon, Senior BJP leader L K Advani, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Parliamentarian D P Tripathy, Karia Munda, former Parliamentarian V K Malhotra, Subramanium Swamy and Jayawanti Behn Mehta, journalists Birender Kapoor and K Vikram Rao for their participation during the JP movement.